IDENTIFICATION OF TOXOCARA SPP. IN STOOL SAMPLES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN NIMBOKRANG DISTRICT, JAYAPURA REGENCY, PAPUA

Background: Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxocara spp. Two species of Toxocara are highly significant in the medical field: Toxocara canis, found in dogs, and Toxocara cati, found in cats. The occurrence of toxocariasis in humans is linked to its occurrence in pets. Morphological identification of eggs and larvae through microscopy is the most commonly used method but has limitations in diagnostic accuracy. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is a molecular approach developed for identifying Toxocara spp. This study aimed to identify Toxocara spp. in stool samples from children using the PCR method. Methods: The study was conducted from January to November 2024 in Nimbokrang District, Jayapura Regency, Papua. A total of 327 stool samples from elementary school-aged children were collected and analyzed for Toxocara spp. using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers for Toxocara cati and Toxocara canis. PCR products were analyzed using gel electrophoresis with a 100 bp DNA ladder marker and visualized using a gel documentation system. Results: Identification of Toxocara spp. using multiplex PCR was successfully performed on 327 stool samples from elementary school-aged children. The prevalence of toxocariasis was 14.7% (48/327), with Toxocara canis found in 12.8% (42/327) and Toxocara cati in 1.8% (6/327). Conclusion: Toxocara spp. were successfully identified in stool samples from elementary school-aged children using the PCR method. This method is expected to aid in helminthiasis surveillance efforts within the community.