Contamination by Toxocara spp eggs in public parks and squares in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

The frequency of Toxocara spp eggs in public parks was determined from March 1995 to February 1996. One hundred and twelve samples were collected from 10 public parks in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Samples were processed by the decinormal sodium hydroxide concentration method. Out of the 120 soil samples analyzed, 21 were contaminated with Toxocara spp eggs, corresponding to a 17.5% rate of infestation. Of the ten squares submitted to analysis during the year, six presented contamination. Most of the ova found presented characteristics of inviability, with a consequent low chance of human infection, although the population is not free from the risk of contracting this zoonosis.

Toxocara spp; Public parks; Contamination; Epidemiology