Prevalence maps and climate-based risk map of toxocariasis in Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to design the prevalence maps of toxocariasis in different provinces of Iran. Moreover, the effects of three climatic parameters were explored on Toxocara egg maturation in various provinces using geographical information system (GIS). A review was conducted to examine the studies of the prevalence of human and animal toxocariasis and the contamination of public places with Toxocara eggs. Climatic data were converted into raster layers in ArcGIS 10.3 software and subjected to spatial analysis. A climate-based risk map was drawn for the whole country. Iran was classified into four different classes. Golestan, Mazandaran, Guilan, Khuzestan, Fars, Hormozgan, and Lorestan provinces were located in class four with the highest possibility of parasitic egg development due to proper humidity and temperature. Further, the results showed a high prevalence of human toxocariasis antibody titer in Khuzestan and Fars provinces and high prevalence of infection among carnivores in East Azerbaijan, Tehran, Razavi Khorasan, and Mazandaran provinces. Given the high prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibody titer reported in various studies and the high risk of infection in children, the results of the present study can be helpful for physicians and healthcare staff in high-risk provinces.