Discussion
Toxocara is a roundworm parasite, with two species of zoonotic importance to humans (
Toxocara canis and
T. cati). Dogs, cats and foxes are the definitive hosts for this parasite, with infected animals shedding eggs in their faeces which subsequently contaminate the environment. When other animals, including livestock species, ingest
Toxocara spp. eggs, the larvae hatch out in the gut and migrate to various parts of the body including meat tissues consumed by humans. If ingested ‘rare’ or undercooked, infected meat could pose a public health risk with the potential for serious health implications, such as blindness and epilepsy.
In this study we will assess liver and skeletal muscle samples obtained from food animal species naturally exposed to
Toxocara spp. larvae, in order to explore the prevalence of this parasite in the food chain and assess whether current production practices are sufficient at reducing the risk of
Toxocara transmission to humans. Chemical and mechanical tissue digestion is used, followed up by microscopic evaluation and larval DNA analysis using RT-PCR in order to confirm species.
Essential training in the required laboratory skills for the project was undertaken at ANSES, Paris. This trip was made possible with the financial assistance of a BSP travel award (2022/23).
