Environmental soil contamination by Toxocara species eggs in public places of Ilam, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the study is to assess environmental contamination by Toxocara species eggs in public places in the city of Ilam, Ilam Province, southwest Iran.

Material and methods: Between September 2018 and March 2019, 130 soil samples were collected from public places of 5 district municipalities of Ilam, southwest Iran. Soil samples were examined by microscopy following flotation method by sodium nitrate.

Results: Soil analysis showed that 5.88% of the soils stored, 52.54% from gardens, 29.42% from rubbish, and 11.72% from green spaces were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. In total, 13.08 % of soil samples (17/130) were positive for Toxocara eggs (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings revealed that care should be taken when using soil from gardens, green spaces and rubbish, and also should be seriously considered because of the potential issues of toxocariasis and also the risk to the public.

Keywords: Iran; Toxocara eggs; contamination; public places; soil.