Worldwide prevalence of Toxocara infection among children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of an overlooked parasitic risk - Report - MDSpire

Worldwide prevalence of Toxocara infection among children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of an overlooked parasitic risk

  • By

  • Nassim Rezapour

  • Helia Ghaffari Hamedani

  • Mahdi Sepidarkish

  • Nazanin Kianifard

  • Morteza Sheikhi Nooshabadi

  • Hamid Parsa

  • Kimia Bagheri

  • Maryam Ebrahimi

  • Mohsen Mohammadi

  • Neda Ahmadzadeh Tori

  • Seema Advani

  • Ashkan Garshasbi

  • Diba Mohammadi

  • Fatemeh Zahra Asadpour

  • Ali Rostami

  • December 29, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Worldwide prevalence of Toxocara infection among children

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis reveals a global Toxocara seroprevalence of approximately 20% among children, with significant variations based on geographic and socioeconomic factors. The findings underscore the importance of addressing this neglected parasitic infection, particularly in high-risk pediatric populations.

Background

Toxocara infection is a zoonotic disease primarily affecting children due to their behavioral and physiological vulnerabilities. The infection can lead to serious health issues, including neurotoxocariasis and allergic conditions. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxocara infection is crucial for developing effective public health interventions.

Data Highlights

{'Southeast Asia': 'Provide specific seroprevalence percentage.', 'Africa': 'Provide specific seroprevalence percentage.'}

Key Findings

{'risk_factors': 'Include statistics or references.'}

Clinical Implications

{'hygiene_practices': 'List specific practices.'}

Conclusion

The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies to address Toxocara infection in children, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preventive measures in high-risk populations.

References

  1. Global seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of a neglected parasitic threat | BMC Infectious Diseases | Springer Nature Link
  2. Clinical Overview of Toxocariasis | Parasites - Toxocariasis | CDC
  3. Infection — Occurrence of Intestinal Protozoan Parasites in Asian Schoolchildren: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  4. Infection — Distribution of Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths, and intestinal protozoan infections among orphans and street children in Mwanza, Northern Tanzania
  5. The Journal of Infectious Diseases — Reduction in Cryptosporidium-Related Diarrhea Incidence Among Bangladeshi Children Correlates with Enhanced Anti-Cryptosporidium Antibody Avidity
  6. Infection — Identification of intestinal pathogens in young children prior to and during episodes of acute gastroenteritis: findings from a prospective German birth cohort study (LoewenKIDS)
  7. Clinical Care of Toxocariasis | Parasites - Toxocariasis | CDC
  8. Global seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of a neglected parasitic threat | BMC Infectious Diseases | Springer Nature Link
  9. Clinical Overview of Toxocariasis | Parasites - Toxocariasis | CDC

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