Molecular and serological surveillance of toxocariasis in humans and dogs in Ghana

Introduction : Toxocariasis is documented as one of the neglected parasitic infections globally. Exposure is highest where sanitation is poor and access to health care is limited. In Ghana, similar conditions exist in many rural and peri-urban communities. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of toxocariasis in humans and dogs in Ghana. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted in humans and dogs drawn from two regions of Ghana. Human sera were tested for anti- Toxocara antibodies using serological assays, while faecal samples of dogs were analyzed using molecular methods Results : Human Toxocara seroprevalence was 14.5% (95% CI: 11.4–17.5). Infection was highest in children aged 6–15 years (23.9%, 95% CI: 16.7–31.1) and lowest in the 16–30-year group (4.5%, 95% CI: 0.6–8.3). Males (18.6%, 95% CI: 13.9–23.3) and rural residents (27.5%, 95% CI: 20.6–34.4) showed higher infection. Logistic regression showed that being male increased the odds of infection (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.22–3.48), living in a rural area (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 2.47–6.92) and having no formal education increased the likelihood of infection. Among dogs, the overall prevalence was 56.1% (95% CI: 51.4–60.7). T. canis was the dominant species (87.9%), while T. cati accounted for 12.1%. Young dogs were much less likely to be infected than puppies (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.10–0.30). Foreign-breed dogs had lower odds of infection than local breeds (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.10–0.68). Conclusion : The study reports on the burden of Toxocara infections in both humans and dog populations. Children, males, rural residents, and individuals with no education were identified as risk groups. In dogs, puppies and local-breeds were found to be key reservoirs, highlighting their key role in transmission dynamics. The findings underscore the importance of dog deworming, hygiene education and One Health approaches to reduce the risk of transmission. Herein, we report for the first time of Toxocara cati infections in dogs in Ghana.