Sanitary and epidemiological surveillance of toxocariasis in Tajikistan

Abstract

Aim. To study the peculiarities of the toxocariasis spread depending on the sanitary and hygienic conditions of the environment.
Materials and methods. The study was performed during 2014-2015 in the areas located on the valleys and foothill-mountainous territories of Tajikistan. 30 settlements were surveyed. The scientific literature and statistics of the regional Centers of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republican Veterinary Service were studied.
Results. 535 of the examined subjects were children under the age of 14, of whom 252 (47.0 ± 2.1%) were seropositive: 107 (20.0 ± 1.7%) boys and 145 (27.1 ± 1.9%) girls. Infected dogs were observed in 74.4% of cases in the plains regions, with the largest in the Rudaki region - 77.7 %. In 80,6% of cases, infected dogs were found in foothill areas. That number is higher in comparison with flat areas, especially in Nurabad region (86.6% of cases). Contingent subject to the risk was identified. Of 119 examined service dogs 48 (40.3%) were infected. Of the 39 shepherd dogs 29 (73.4%) and of farm dogs - 12 (33.3%) had toxocariasis. 7 (38.9%) out of 18 from rural and 8 (16%) out of 50 urban dogs were infected.
Conclusion. Toksokarosis is widespread in Tajikistan, especially among children (up to 14 years old). The main hosts of toxocariasis are dogs and cats, the number of which is increasing in a country. However, disinfection of animals is practically not carried out. This causes the risk of infection for people. Leading factors contributing to infection are feces of dogs and cats polluting the environment almost in all regions of Tajikistan.