Identification of public areas with potential toxocariasis transmission risk using Geographical Information Systems

Abstract

Geographic information system (GIS) or Health geography is a geographical identification of the spatial variation of contagion disease and zoonosis risk in certain conditions. Objective: Comparing the variation of environmental contamination of Toxocara spp. sands of lawns and public areas through the Geographic Information System. Materials and Methods: Were investigated 98% of Parana recreational urban areas such as, schools, public parks and squares filled with sand and/or lawn. Samples were analyzed using zinc sulphate solution centrifuge-flotation, density 1.420, and water sedimentation. Maps were developed by ESRI Arc GIS 9.2. Results: Total 77/98 (78,6%) of public spaces shown Toxocara spp. eggs presence. No significant difference was observed (p = 0,9999) between eggs prevalence in sand 44/56 (78,6%), and lawn 33/42 (78,6%), at school (p = 0,6898) and squares (p = 0,0616). Egg contamination prevailed in periphery areas in the sand 20/27 (74%) and lawn 18/21 (86%). However, no significant difference was observed between sand and lawn contamination from schools and parks to central and peripheral areas. Although schools 62/66 (93,9%) presented a higher number of enclosed spaces, did not provide a lower frequency of pollution (p = 0,3327). Conclusion: GIS observed a scattered pattern of zoonosis among schools and public squares sand and lawns, with predominance of contamination in the peripheral areas with presence of dogs/cats. © 2013 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.