THỰC TRẠNG NHIỄM TOXOCARA SPP. Ở NGƯỜI BỆNH ĐẾN KHÁM TẠI BỆNH VIỆN ĐA KHOA MINH AN, TỈNH NGHỆ AN NĂM 2024

Abstract

Background: Toxocara spp. infection is a zoonotic parasitic disease that can cause multi-organ damage and often presents with non-specific symptoms. Minh An General Hospital (Nghe An) receives many suspected cases annually, yet no specific studies have been conducted to evaluate the infection status in this population. Objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection among patients visiting Minh An General Hospital; (2) To describe some factors associated with the infection. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 392 patients with symptoms such as itching and rash from January to August 2024. Serological testing for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was performed using ELISA, and complete blood counts were conducted for all patients. Data were processed using SPSS 20.0 with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection was 44.9%. There was no statistically significant difference in infection rates based on gender, age, or occupation. However, risk factors such as pet ownership, close contact with dogs/cats, consumption of raw vegetables/undercooked meat, and gardening without gloves were significantly associated with infection (p<0.05). Elevated white blood cell count (OR=4.488) and eosinophilia (OR=6.443) were also significantly correlated with seropositivity. Conclusion: The prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection at Minh An General Hospital was 44.9%, with a strong association with close contact with dogs/cats, gardening without gloves, and poor food hygiene. Leukocytosis, particularly eosinophilia, was a supportive diagnostic indicator. Combining epidemiological history with hematological tests may improve the effectiveness of disease screening.