Toxocariasis and women's reproductive health: potential effects on fertility and pregnancy

The review addresses the potential effects of Toxocara canis infection on women's reproductive health. The authors consider possible changes in hormonal balance, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. Particular attention is given to pregnant women, including the seroprevalence of infection in this population.

The available abstract mentions age and dietary habits as risk factors. It also discusses the role of pregnancy hormones in reactivating dormant larvae. The review notes that infection may lead to menstrual disorders, reduced fertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and low birth weight.

The practical emphasis is on increased clinical awareness and preventive measures, including hygiene and safe food handling, to mitigate reproductive health risks.

The abstract provides no numerical seroprevalence estimates, measures of risk, or description of limitations of the included studies. This brief account does not allow an assessment of the strength of evidence for the reproductive outcomes described.