- Academic Editor
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Background: Toxocara canis (T. canis) is a
helminth parasite of zoonotic and veterinary health significance that causes the
disease known as Toxocariasis. This disease has been associated with conditions
of poverty, especially in tropical climate zones throughout the world. Although
it rarely causes important clinical manifestations, T. canis can lead to
blindness, meningoencephalitis, or other nervous manifestations in humans.
Moreover, some studies show its importance in the development of tumor growth,
which have been associated with the parasite’s ability to modulate the host’s
immune response. While different studies have evaluated the immune response
during this disease, currently, there are no studies where the infection is
analyzed from the perspective of sexual dimorphism. Methods: To evaluate
sex differences in susceptibility, we analyzed lesions and parasite loads in lung
and liver at 7 days post-infection. In addition, immune cell subpopulations were
analyzed in spleen, mesenteric and peripheral lymph nodes. Finally, the
production of cytokines and specific antibodies were determined in the serum.
Statical analyses were performed using a Two-way ANOVA and a post-hoc Bonferroni
multiple comparison test. Results: Female rats had a higher number of
larvae in the liver, while male rats had them in the lungs. The percentages of
immune cells were evaluated, and in most cases, no significant differences were
observed. Regarding the cytokines production, infection can generate a decrease
in Th1 such as IL-1