Which population is most likely to get toxocara/toxascaris?

Which population is most likely to get toxocara/toxascaris?

• A. Young adult men
• B. Elderly women
• C. Teenagers
• D. Toddlers/Pregnant women

Answer: (D)

Toxocara infection is a zoonotic roundworm disease acquired when people ingest eggs shed in dog or cat feces that contaminate soil; humans are accidental hosts, and larvae can migrate to various tissues causing visceral or ocular forms. Toddlers are most at risk because they frequently play in dirt and put dirty hands or objects in their mouths, increasing exposure to contaminated soil. Pregnant women can also be exposed through household or environmental contact with contaminated soil or pets. In contrast, older teenagers and adults typically have less direct exposure to contaminated soil, making them less likely targets. Keeping children away from soil contaminated with animal feces, practicing good hand hygiene, and controlling pets’ access to play areas are important preventive steps.

Toxocara infection is a zoonotic roundworm disease acquired when people ingest eggs shed in dog or cat feces that contaminate soil; humans are accidental hosts, and larvae can migrate to various tissues causing visceral or ocular forms. Toddlers are most at risk because they frequently play in dirt and put dirty hands or objects in their mouths, increasing exposure to contaminated soil. Pregnant women can also be exposed through household or environmental contact with contaminated soil or pets. In contrast, older teenagers and adults typically have less direct exposure to contaminated soil, making them less likely targets. Keeping children away from soil contaminated with animal feces, practicing good hand hygiene, and controlling pets’ access to play areas are important preventive steps.