Seroepidemiology of Toxocariasis in a Yucpa Amerindian Community from the Perija Mountains, Western Venezuela

  • Odelis Díaz Suárez Institute of Clinical Research “Dr. Américo Negrette ”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia.
  • María Eugenia García Institute of Clinical Research “Dr. Américo Negrette ”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia.
  • Fabiola Meléndez Institute of Clinical Research “Dr. Américo Negrette ”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia.
  • Jesús Estévez Institute of Clinical Research “Dr. Américo Negrette ”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia.
Keywords: Seroepidemiology, toxocariasis, Amerindian

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the Toxocara spp infection seroprevalence in an Amerindian community from western Venezuela, identifying the effect of socio-cultural changes on the risk factors. 75.4% of the community, 110 individuals, were studied. Blood samples were gathered by venous puncture. Determination of anti-Toxocara spp antibodies was carried out using a commercial ELISA technique. The overall prevalence was 21.7%. Higher prevalence was observed in the age group >50 years old (37.5%). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to sex. The prevalence found was higher than that of an urban population and lower than in other indigenous communities. The transculturization process in this indigenous community is a risk factor for Toxocara spp infection.

Published
2010-08-07
How to Cite
1.
Díaz Suárez O, García ME, Meléndez F, Estévez J. Seroepidemiology of Toxocariasis in a Yucpa Amerindian Community from the Perija Mountains, Western Venezuela. Kasmera [Internet]. 2010Aug.7 [cited 2026Mar.23];38(2):138-46. Available from: https://produccioncientificaluz.org/index.php/kasmera/article/view/4863
Issue
Vol. 38 No. 2 (2010)
Section
Original Articles

Copyright (c) 2010 Odelis Díaz Suárez, María Eugenia García, Fabiola Meléndez, Jesús Estévez

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