Epidemiology and Public Health of Toxocariasis
Summary
Toxocariasis is a globally pervasive zoonotic infection caused by the larvae of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, parasites of dogs and cats. Human infection arises through ingestion of embryonated eggs from contaminated soil, water or fomites, with children particularly at risk due to geophagic behaviours. Once ingested, larvae migrate via the bloodstream to various organs, producing clinical syndromes such as visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans and covert or neural forms. Serological surveys indicate a high burden in low- and middle-income regions, where poor sanitation, close animal contact and limited veterinary care amplify transmission. Environmental studies document widespread soil contamination in public spaces, underlining persistent exposure risks. Under-recognition and diagnostic challenges—including cross-reactivity in serology and asymptomatic infection—impede accurate burden estimation and timely intervention. Public health measures rely on integrated One Health strategies combining mass deworming of companion animals, community education, environmental hygiene and enhanced surveillance to disrupt transmission cycles and reduce morbidity, particularly among paediatric populations.
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Epidemiology and Public Health of Toxocariasis publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in epidemiology and public health of toxocariasis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Zoonosis: An infection naturally transmissible between animals and humans.
Seroprevalence: The proportion of a population with detectable antibodies to a specific pathogen in blood serum.
Visceral larva migrans: Clinical syndrome resulting from migration of Toxocara larvae through visceral organs, causing inflammation and organ dysfunction.
One Health: An integrated approach recognising the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health in disease control.
Paratenic host: A non-definitive host in which parasite larvae remain viable without further development, acting as a transmission reservoir.
References
- Seroprevalence estimates for toxocariasis in people worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2019).
- Zoonotic Parasites in Playgrounds in Southern Spain: A One Health Approach. Microorganisms (2023).
- Toxocariasis: a silent threat with a progressive public health impact. Infectious Diseases of Poverty (2018).
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