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Seroprevalence of Toxocara and Taenia solium and risk factors for infection with these parasites were explored in a long-term rural settlement in São Paulo state, Brazil. An ELISA for the detection of anti-Toxocara IgG and IgE and anti-T. solium cysticerci was standardized using Toxocara excretory-secretory antigens (TES) obtained from the cultured second-stage larvae of T. canis and by vesicular fluid antigen from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci (VF). For cysticercosis, the reactive ELISA samples were assayed by Western blot using 18 kDa and 14 kDa proteins purified from VF. Out of 182 subjects, 25 (13.7%) presented anti-Toxocara IgG and a positive correlation between total IgE and the reactive index of specific anti-TES IgE (P=0.0265) was found amongst the subjects found seropositive for anti-Toxocara IgG. In these individuals 38.0% showed ocular manifestations. The frequency of anti-T. solium cysticerci confirmed by Western blot was 0.6%. Seropositivity for Toxocara was correlated with low educational levels and the owning of dogs. Embryonated eggs of Toxocara spp. were found in 43.3% of the analysed areas.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) has not been a priority goal for patients with recurrent painful colic of renal lithiasis., Aim: To evaluate QoL in patients with recurrent painful symptoms due to renal colic., Methods: In this case-control study, 194 subjects (97 cases/97 controls) were matched according to age and gender. Cases were patients at an outpatient clinic with a confirmed diagnosis of nephrolithiasis with recurrent painful renal colic. The control group consisted of patients seen at an ophthalmology outpatient clinic for refraction symptoms., Main Outcome Measures: QoL was measured using the SF-36., Results: Average SF-36 dimension scores for cases and controls, respectively, were: physical function 70/95, role-emotional function 33.3/100, role limitations due to physical problems 25/100, bodily pain 41/84, general health status 52/82, vitality 45/80, social function 62.5/100 and mental health 52/84. All values were statistically different (p < 0.001). Using multiple linear regression, there was a statistically significant QoL drop in subjects with lithiasis. Low social and economic levels were associated with the following SF-36 domains: physical function, general health status, vitality and mental health. The influence of the diagnosis on role-physical and role-emotional domains. Analysis of the physical and mental components of the SF-36 Scale showed significantly lower averages between cases and controls: PCS (p < 0.001) and MCS (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The QoL of patients with painful recurrent symptoms due to renal colic was substantially impaired., (Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.)