Seroepidemiology of human toxocariasis in selected population groups in Slovakia: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract Background Human toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. The study aimed at a cross-sectional analysis of seropositivity to Toxocara spp. in selected groups of population in Slovakia and an estimate of the risk factors of infection. Methods For the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on an excretory–secretory (E/S) antigen of Toxocara canis was used. Results The overall seropositivity to Toxocara in 1489 evaluated sera was 3.7%. The seropositivity of Roma children/young people (40.3%) was significantly higher when compared with all other analysed groups. Among adult respondents, the positivity of farmers and hunters (5.5% and 5.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p  Conclusion The results underline the importance of preventive measures and the need for improving of knowledge of toxocariasis among professionals, as well as the public.