Seroprevalence of IgG anti-Toxocara canis antibodies and anti-Fasciola sp antibodies in patients with urticaria

Aims. Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined by recurrent episodes occurring at least twice a week for 6 weeks and generally characterized by the rapid appearance of wheals and/or angioedema and may be associated with parasitic infections. We aimed to investigate the seroprevalance of Toxocara canis and Fasciola species in patients with CU. Materials and Methods. We included 55 patients (in age 16-55) with urticaria admitted in study. As a control group we recruited 30 healthy volunteers they had no history of urticaria, rhinitis, asthma, atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS), or other relevant diseases. IgG antibodies to Toxocara canis and Fasciola species were investigated by ELISA method. Results. In a total of 55 patients (mean age: 31.85 +/- 8.92), 8 patients (14.5%) were positive for IgG antibodies to Toxocara canis. Among seropositive patients (mean age: 38.62 +/- 12.46) 6 patients were female. No patient was positive for Fasciola by ELISA. Six of Toxocara canis seropositive cases were frequently visited or lived in rural areas and had contact with pets. Conclusions. Patients with urticaria, should be tested for Toxocara canis and treated with anthelminthic drugs in endemics areas for toxocariasis.