Zoonotic Relevance of Toxocara spp. in North Macedonia: Retrospective Veterinary Findings and a Clinically Confirmed Case of Human Ocular Toxocariasis
Journal
Pathogens
Date Issued
2026-06-01
Author(s)
Radevska, Ana Marija
Chapkunovska, Bojana
Cana, Fadil
Pandilov, Stefan
Simin, Verica
Banović, Pavle
DOI
10.3390/pathogens15060595
Abstract
Background: Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are zoonotic nematodes of dogs and cats
that maintain a human infection risk through environmental contamination with highly
resistant eggs. Data on toxocariasis in North Macedonia are limited, and ocular toxocariasis
(OT) remains a clinically important but easily overlooked manifestation of human infection.
Methods: This retrospective assessment combined coprological data from dogs and cats
with a complementary clinical description of a human case of OT. Routine fecal samples
from dogs and cats from January 2018 to March 2026 were morphologically examined.
The human case of OT was a 13-year-old boy with unilateral ocular disease. Results: Of
465 samples, Toxocara spp. eggs were detected in 14, corresponding to an overall detection
of 3.0%. Detection was 3.0% in dogs (11/371) and 3.2% in cats (3/94), with no significant
difference between species. The human clinical component involved unilateral visual loss,
strabismus, and posterior segment inflammatory changes. Conclusions: Dogs and cats
in North Macedonia showed sporadic Toxocara spp. egg shedding, supporting ongoing
zoonotic exposure potential. The clinically confirmed OT case complements the animal data
and underscores the need for improved awareness among clinicians and veterinarians, as
well as strengthened preventive measures aimed at reducing environmental contamination
and zoonotic exposure.
Keywords: Toxocara spp.; ocular toxocariasis; dogs; cats; North Macedonia
that maintain a human infection risk through environmental contamination with highly
resistant eggs. Data on toxocariasis in North Macedonia are limited, and ocular toxocariasis
(OT) remains a clinically important but easily overlooked manifestation of human infection.
Methods: This retrospective assessment combined coprological data from dogs and cats
with a complementary clinical description of a human case of OT. Routine fecal samples
from dogs and cats from January 2018 to March 2026 were morphologically examined.
The human case of OT was a 13-year-old boy with unilateral ocular disease. Results: Of
465 samples, Toxocara spp. eggs were detected in 14, corresponding to an overall detection
of 3.0%. Detection was 3.0% in dogs (11/371) and 3.2% in cats (3/94), with no significant
difference between species. The human clinical component involved unilateral visual loss,
strabismus, and posterior segment inflammatory changes. Conclusions: Dogs and cats
in North Macedonia showed sporadic Toxocara spp. egg shedding, supporting ongoing
zoonotic exposure potential. The clinically confirmed OT case complements the animal data
and underscores the need for improved awareness among clinicians and veterinarians, as
well as strengthened preventive measures aimed at reducing environmental contamination
and zoonotic exposure.
Keywords: Toxocara spp.; ocular toxocariasis; dogs; cats; North Macedonia
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