An update on toxocariasis in Reunion Island: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Although toxocariasis is ubiquitous, its prevalence varies around the world, and even within the same region. In Reunion Island, its seroprevalence was 93% in the late eighties. This study aimed to update these data and to describe the characteristics of patients who underwent Toxocara canis serology in Reunion Island University Hospital.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated all patients who underwent T. canis serology in Reunion Island University Hospital in 2021. The seroprevalence was calculated and the characteristics of patients were compared between cases and controls.

RESULTS

A total of 126 patients underwent T. canis serology, mainly for ocular symptoms (47%) and eosinophilia (25%). Of these, 34 (27%) had positive serology and were statistically more likely to be treated (p = 0.07); however, there was no significant difference in improvement between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the decrease in T. canis seroprevalence over the past 30 years, T. canis serology appears to be regaining interest in helping to diagnose patients suspected of infection.