Sero-Epidemiology of Toxocara Canis Infection in Children Attending Four Selected Health Facilities in the Central Region of Ghana.

摘要: Objective : The study determined the seroprevalence of  Toxocara canis infection among children attending four selected health facilities in Central Region of Ghana. Design Cross-sectional Method Sera from 566 aged 1-15 years Central Region of Ghana between July and September 2012 was used a excretory-secretory antigenbased ELISA to detect serum IgG. A short questionnaire was designed obtain data on respondents as to age, gender, educational level, locality residence, habits washing fruits, vegetable hands before eating, keeping pet (dogs or cats) , history of playing with soil pets. Clinical information was also collected. Associations sero-positivity and age group, risk factors, level and other variables were by Chi square test. Results overall sero-prevalence was 53.5% (n=566). Age, level hospital visited were significantly associated sero-positivity (p< 0.05). Children playing soil (χ 2 =9.03, p=0.003), pet-keeping (χ =14.77, p=0.001) and not soap before eating (χ =5.82, p=0.016) with sero-positivity. Conclusion T. infection in high. should be educated desist factors such playing with pets be encouraged ensure proper personal hygiene. Keywords Seroprevalence, Toxocariasis, factors, children,