Soil contamination by eggs of soil-transmitted helminths with zoonotic potential in the town of Fernandópolis, state of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2007 and 2008

Abstract

Introduction: Te concentration of dogs and cats in urban areas, associated with an ever-increasing wandering population of these animals, has an important epidemiological role in the soil contamination of public spaces and the spread of infections of several types of parasites. Tis study aimed to determine the frequency of soil-transmited helminths with zoonotic potential in public squares and municipal primary schools in Fernandópolis, State of São Paulo, Brazil, conducted between 2007 and 2008. Methods: All the squares (32) and schools (13) in the town were evaluated. Soil samples were tested using the Rugai method modifed by Willis, Caldwell and Caldwell. Results: A total of 225 soil samples were evaluated and 30.2% (68) were positive for helminths. In samples from public squares, 40% (64) contamination was observed; however, contamination in schools was only 6.1% (6). Te parasites eggs identifed were Toxocara spp. 79.3% (47), Trichuris spp. 13.8% (8) and Ancylostomatidae 6.9% (4). Variables related to the site, such as the number of dogs (OR 21.18, 10.81 - 41.51), fecal samples (OR 6.87, 3.51 - 13.47) and the use of fences (OR 0.1, 0.05 - 0.20), had an impact on soil contamination. Conclusions: In the contaminated samples, parasites with zoonotic potential were identifed, including the etiologic agents of diseases like cutaneous and visceral larva migrans, a fact that poses a risk to health of the population that frequent such environments.