Exposure and environmental contamination.

Abstract

This chapter focuses on soil contamination of Toxocara eggs with particular reference to their survival on the soil surface. In addition, this chapter discusses type of soil and egg prevalence, Toxocara canis and T. cati egg discrimination, exposure and countermeasures. The conclusions are summarized as follows: (1) soil contamination with the eggs of Toxocara spp. occurs worldwide, irrespective of socioeconomic and developmental status; (2) there is a clear connection between the degree of soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs and the prevalence of toxocariasis among people; (3) the method of recovery of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil should be standardized; (4) species recognition of Toxocara eggs isolated from soil during the environmental studies will allow better prevention; (5) destroying the eggs of Toxocara spp. is difficult because of their resistance to adverse conditions, easy spreading and longevity; (6) effective control of toxocariasis should include - prevention of contamination of public places with pet faeces, systematic disinfestations of definitive hosts and development of educational programmes aimed at increasing public awareness of potential zoonotic threats.