Visceral larva migrans syndrome by
Toxocara
affects mainly children between 2 and 5 years of age, it is generally asymptomatic, and the seroprevalence varies from 3 to 86% in different countries. A total of 399 schoolchildren from 14 public schools of the Butantã region, São Paulo city, Brazil, were evaluated by
Toxocara serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Epidemiological data to the
Toxocara infection obtained from a protocol were submitted to multiple logistic regression analysis for a risk profile definition. Blood was collected on filter paper by finger puncture, with all samples tested in duplicate. Considering titers ≥ 1/160 as positive, the seroprevalence obtained was 38.8%. Among infected children, the mean age was 9.4 years, with a similar distribution between genders. A significant association was observed with the presence of onychophagia, residence with a dirty backyard, living in a slum, previous wheezing episodes, school attended, and family income (p < 0.05). All data, except "living in a slum", were considered to be determinant of a risk profile for the acquisition of
Toxocara infection. A monthly income ≥ 5 minimum salaries represented a protective factor, although of low relevance.
Toxocara eggs were found in at least one of the soil samples obtained from five schools, with high prevalence of
Toxocara infections, indicating the frequent soil contamination by this agent.
