Prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxocara canis in dogs and humans in Egypt: A comparative approach

Abstract Background: Dogs are the most popular pet animals worldwide, and their frequent and close contact with humans poses an increased risk of zoonotic parasite transmission. Toxocara canis infection is a highly pervasive and economically significant zoonotic infection transmitted by dogs worldwide, commonly in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in developing countries. Objectives: This study evaluates the epidemiological profile and associated risk factors of T. canis exposure among humans and T. canis infection in domestic dogs in two climatically different governorates in Egypt. Methods: Faecal samples from 360 domiciled dogs were examined using the flotation technique to detect T. canis eggs. In addition, 276 human serum samples were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay over a period of 10 months from May 2021 to February 2022 in the Alexandria and Qena Governorates, Egypt. Results: Shedding of T. canis was identified in 33.33% (120/360) of dogs and the overall seroprevalence in the human population was 20.65% (57/276). Lower Egypt, represented by the Alexandria Governorate, had higher canine infection (39.47%) and human seropositivity (29.87%) rates than those of Upper Egypt, represented by Qena Governorate (26.47% and 9.02% in dogs and humans, respectively). Statistical analysis of the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants revealed that handwashing, washing of vegetables and fruits and sex were associated with human T. canis exposure. Conclusion: The prevalence rates of confirmed T. canis infection in the Egyptian dogs population and the associated human seropositivity rates reflect its importance as a public health concern and support the call to increase public awareness of this issue. The risk factors identified in this study can contribute to the development of more effective control and prevention strategies.