SOIL CONTAMINATION IN PUBLIC SQUARES IN BELO HORIZONTE, MINAS GERAIS, BY CANINE PARASITES IN DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

Abstract

SUMMARY To evaluate soil contamination by parasites in different developmental stages in public squares used as recreation and leisure areas for children in Belo Horizonte (MG, Brazil), 210 soil samples and 141 canine fecal samples were collected from 42 squares in the city. These samples were analyzed by the Caldwell and Caldwell technique and the Hoffman, Pons, and Janer technique. Of the samples analyzed, 89 (42.4%) soil samples and 104 (73.5%) fecal samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp., or Dipylidium sp. eggs; Giardia sp. cysts; or Isospora sp. oocysts. The commonest parasite was Ancylostoma sp., found in 85% soil and 99% fecal samples, followed by Toxocara sp., found in 43.7% soil and 30.7% fecal samples.RESUMO Visando avaliar a contaminação do solo por estágios evolutivos de parasitos em praças públicas utilizadas como áreas de lazer e recreação infantil em Belo Horizonte (MG, Brasil) foram coletadas 210 amostras de solo e 141 amostras de fezes de cães em 42 praças do município. Estas amostras foram analisadas pelas técnicas de Caldwell & Caldwell, Hoffmann, Pons, Janer. Do total das amostras analisadas, 89 (42,4%) amostras de solo e 104 (73,5%) amostras de fezes estavam contaminadas com ovos de Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp. e Dipylidium sp.; cistos de Giardia sp; oocistos de Isospora sp., sendo o parasito mais freqüente Ancylostoma sp. com 85% no solo e 99% nas fezes, seguido por 43,7% no solo e 30,7% nas fezes de Toxocara sp.