Toxocara(Nematoda: Ascaridida) and Other Soil-Transmitted Helminth Eggs Contaminating Soils in Selected Urban and Rural Areas in the Philippines

Abstract

The extent of contamination of soils with soil transmitted helminthes (STH) eggs, particularlyToxocara, was determined in selected urban and rural towns of Laguna, Philippines. Soil samples were collected from public schools, house yards, and empty lots. Results revealed that, of the 1480 soil samples collected, 460 (31%) were positive for STH eggs.Toxocarasp. was the most prevalent (77%), followed byAscarissp. (11%), hookworms/strongyles/free-living nematodes (7%), andTrichurissp. (5%). Some soil physicochemical parameters were also determined and associated withToxocaraeggs prevalence and density in soil. Results revealed thatToxocarasp. eggs were most prevalent in less acidic, relatively high temperature and high moisture soil conditions. They were also prevalent in sandy, silty, and loamy soil textures but less prevalent in clayey. No significant differences were found between depth 1 (0–5 cm) and depth 2 (6–10 cm). This study revealed thatToxocarasp. eggs are ubiquitous and the extent of contamination in soils from the selected towns of Laguna is relatively high. Hence, the data generated in this study can be used in promoting public awareness, particularly for pet owners and local health officials, for effective prevention and control of this parasitosis.