First Report on the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Toxocara Infection in Blood Donors from Romania

Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease with a potentially major impact on public health. Our aim was to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with <i>Toxocara</i> seroprevalence in blood donors from Romania. Serum samples were obtained from 1347 Romanian blood donors and serologically tested for anti-<i>Toxocara</i> antibodies. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to determine the risk factors associated with <i>Toxocara</i> infection. The overall prevalence of <i>Toxocara</i> antibodies was 29.6%, with a significant age-associated increase (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A higher rate was observed in individuals from rural areas compared to urban areas (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and in males compared to females (<i>p</i> = 0.001). In univariate statistical analysis, seropositivity was significantly associated with household ownership (<i>p</i> < 0.001), contact with soil (<i>p</i> < 0.001), owning dogs (<i>p</i> < 0.001), cats (<i>p</i> = 0.003), and consumption of undercooked poultry (<i>p</i> = 0.002). In a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, only a lower level of education, age, male gender, consumption of undercooked or raw poultry, and contact with soil were associated with higher <i>Toxocara</i> seroprevalence. Our findings suggest a significant prevalence of <i>Toxocara</i> infection in this region. The identified risk factors highlight the necessity of health education programs that focus on public awareness and promote preventive behaviors, especially among at-risk populations.