Contamination of soils by geohelminths ova in key social areas of Vladivostok

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Geohellminthiasis constitutes approximately 90% of all parasitic diseases affecting the population. WHO recommends regular parasitological monitoring of the soil, for the subsequent assessment of its parasitic contamination and the development of epidemiological measures for the prevention of parasitoses among the population. AIM: To study soil contamination by geohelminths ova in important social areas in the city of Vladivostok. METHODS: Soil samples were collected from the territories of residential blocks, parks and playgrounds. In total, 671 soil samples were collected. Samples the collection was carried out according to MUC 4.2.796-99 and examined using the Romanenko method. The prevalence (%)and intensity of contamination per gram of soil sample were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 7 morphological forms of geohelminth ova were found: Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ascaris spp., Ancylostoma spp., Dypilidium caninum and Taenia spp. Propagative stages of helminths were found in 401 of 671 samples. The overall prevalence of contamination was 59.8%. Toxocara spp. were the most prevalent contaminating 300 (44.7%) of the samples. Geohelminths ova were found in soil samples at all sites. Parks and residential areas were the most contaminated. CONCLUSION: Geohelminths ova were found in all kay social areas of Vladivostok warranting urgent epidemiological measures to improve the situation.