Geohelminth Eggs Research Articles

Prevalence of Geohelminths Contamination of Selected Fruits and Vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolis Borno State

Contamination of raw fruits and vegetables with geohelminth eggs or larvae can occur when the produce comes into contact with contaminated soil, water, or fertilizer during growth or post-harvest handling. This research aimed to isolate geohelminths that transmit intestinal parasitic infections to humans from vegetables and fruits in some selected markets in Maiduguri (including Gamboru kasuwa, Monday market, University commercial, and Tashan Bama) Borno state. The selected fruits were Cucums sativus, Solanum lycoperscum, and Solanum melongena. The selected vegetables also were Brassca oleraca, Daucus carota, Allium cepa, Euruca sativa, and Amaranthus viridis. Four (4) samples were collected for each fruit and vegetable from different vendors per location, giving 128 samples. The samples of vegetables and fruits were collected for two weeks to allow different batches of produce to the market. Solanum lycoperscum and Euruca sativa had the highest levels of 70% and 26% soil-helminths contaminations, respectively. The most prevalent geohelminths in vegetables and fruits were A. lumbricoides, with a percentage occurrence of 54.5% in fruits and 59.7% in vegetables. Produce from markets in Gamboru had the highest levels of 63.6% and 53.2% contaminations in fruits and vegetables, respectively. Soil helminths in vegetables and fruits can be prevented or eliminated by effectively removing human and animal waste, using properly treated organic manure/wastewater and effluents as fertilizers for irrigation, thoroughly washing and cooking fruits and vegetables, and training food vendors on food safety practices.

Results of the archaeoparasitological analysis of soil samples from the necropolis of the 2nd c. AD settlement of Pantikapaion

In the paper, the results of an archaeoparasitological analysis of a population group from the ancient Greek city of Panti-kapaion, located in the historical centre of the modern city of Kerch (Republic of Crimea), are presented. The aim of the study is to obtain information about the parasitic diseases, state of health, nutrition, and hygiene in a part of the population of the city. The materials for the study were soil samples obtained during the treatment of the human sacra from 31 burials of the necropo-lis, dated to the 2nd century AD. In the result of the conducted investigation, the parasitic spectrum of the studied population group was determined. Eggs of three species of helminths were found. The discovery of eggs of broad tapeworm (Dibothrio-cephalus latum) in the soil samples indicates the presence in the diet of the studied population group freshwater fish that were not sufficiently thermally treated. The archaeoparasitological data from archaeological sites of a chronologically close period in the territory of the Northern Black Sea region suggests that diphyllobothriasis was a decease far from being rare in this area. The presence of eggs of human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) in the samples likely indicates the challenging sanitary-hygienic environment in the city and insufficient hygienic skills in the studied group. The analysis of the archaeoparasitological data within the historical context and utilisation of the archaeopathological material from the archaeological sites in the Northern Black Sea region permitted to identify the factors that had an influence on the wide spread of geohelminths. The humid and warm climate facilitated maturation of geohelminth eggs in the soil, while the human activities concerned with the irrigation of the territory, building public water collection points, and waste buildup in the streets, in combination with the high population density, were causing the rise of the infectious hazard. The relatively high incidence rates of Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides may indicate a high prevalence of certain bacterial intestinal infections transmitted by the identical route. The occurrence of geohelminths, alongside the archaeological data, can indicate a low social status of the studied population group.

Analysis and evaluation of the current state of sanitary and parasitological methods of soil investigation

Introduction. The unregulated use of undisinfected sewage, their sludge, manure and runoff from livestock farms plays a leading role in the contamination of soil, agricultural, vegetable, and berry crops with invasive material, creating a high risk of infection for people and animals with pathogens of helminthiases and intestinal protozoal diseases. 
 The purpose of the research was to analyze and evaluate the current state of the presented sanitary and parasitological methods for studying soils. 
 Materials and methods. The material was retrospectively analyzed literary data, state reports of Federal Service for Supervision in Protection of the Rights of Consumer and Man Wellbeing on the pollution of residential soils for 2019–2021. 
 Results. As part of the experimental studies, there was made an assessment of approved sanitary and parasitological methods for studying soils, modern PCR methods and the patented IFM-IMS. The following results were obtained: Lamblia intestinalis, Toxocara spp. failed to be detected by Romanenko’s method found in 33.8% of cases, by Padchenko’s method Lamblia intestinalis – in 21.2% of cases, Toxocara spp. not detected, by the patented IMS-IFM method Lamblia intestinalis were found in 75.4%, Toxocara spp. – in 69.7%, by PCR , Lamblia intestinalis – in 11.4%, and Toxocara spp – in 34.1%.
 Limitations are related to the use in our own experimental studies of 2 types of parasitic agents – geohelminth eggs Toxocara spp. and cysts of the protozoan Lamblia intestinalis, as well as 2 types of soils, while data from state reports of the Federal Service for Supervision in Protection of the Rights of Consumer and Man Wellbeing contain the results of sanitary and parasitological control over the entire range of pathogens detected in various types of soils of the Russian Federation.
 Conclusion. It seems promising to introduce new parasitological soil research methods along with those approved to obtain a more complete and reliable picture of the level of parasitic contamination of soils in the Russian Federation for the timely implementation of stages of preventive measures.

Wash Deployment and Geo-helminth Ova Dispersion in Primary Schools in Akure North and Owo Local Government Areas, Ondo State, Nigeria

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (geo-helminths) are intestinal parasites causing human infections that are soil-borne. The study assessed the level of soil contamination with geo-helminths ova and also evaluated the level of compliance to WASH policies in some selected public and private schools in Akure North and Owo Local Government Areas of Ondo state, respectively. The study was conducted in the major districts of the two towns.
 Methods
 Soil samples were collected from three (3) different locations within each school premise: Toilet areas, classroom and playground. Assessment sheets were used to evaluate data on indicators of compliance to WASH interventions. Modified Baemann’s culture technique was used in the extraction of geo-helminths larvae and sedimentation techniques were used in the concentration and isolation of geo-helminths eggs. The significant difference in soil contamination between public and private schools was obtained using statistical analysis.
 Result
 Of the 162 soil samples examined from each local government area, Akure North had the highest number of contaminated samples, n=116 (71.61%), while Owo local government had the least, n =88 (54.32%). Four (4) different geo-helminth species were identified; Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura. The most occurring parasites seen in Akure North were hookworm larvae (67.83%), Strongyloides stercoralis (67.83%), hookworm ova (11.25%) and ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (7.56%). Likewise, Hookworm larvae had the highest level of occurrence (51.67%), while Trichuris trichiura was the least occurring (0.77%) in Owo local government area. Public schools had the higher parasite count 668/780 (85.64%), while private schools had the lesser parasite count, 112 /780 (14.36%).
 Conclusion
 The study revealed poor deployment of WASH in the schools, and children were predisposed to geo-helminths infections due to the high level of contamination, particularly in the public schools.

Результаты археопаразитологического и палинологического исследования культурных слоев античного поселения Артезиан (Восточный Крым)

The article presents the results of archaeoparasitological and palynological research of the cultural layers located in the ancient Artesian settlement in the Eastern Crimea. The study revealed the species composition of parasites and palynological spectrum in the cultural layers. Parasite eggs distribution over the layers indicates high content of eggs in almost all periods of the citadel’s existence. High abundance of geohelminth eggs in the studied samples, which might belong to both humans and domestic animals, indicates the unsatisfactory sanitary state of the settlement and the constant risk of infection with geohelminthiasis and intestinal infections possessing the same fecal-oral route of transmission. Features of the studied spore-pollen spectra do not allow a detailed reconstruction of the vegetation dynamics in the vicinity of the Artezian fortress at the turn of the millennium. The major reason is complexity of spectra formation: in addition to pollen deposited from the air (pollen rain), a significant proportion consists of pollen grains brought from other sources. Furthermore, interpretation of the spore-pollen spectra is complicated by presence of a large number of microcharcoals and burnt pollen grains. Despite the above-mentioned challenges in the study of samples from the cultural layers of the Artezian archaeological site using spore-pollen method, we have determined that the inhabitants of the settlement probably used animal dung as fuel, and that at the turn of the millennium, forestless open landscapes covered with steppe vegetation were predominant around the settlement. An important result of the study is the demonstration of unexplored opportunities to investigate cultural layers by archaeoparasitological and palynological methods and of the obtained data use as a source of bioarchaeological information.

Cochran’s Q-Test on Soil Helminth Prevalence

Summary A study was made of the prevalence of nine geohelminth egg types in 184 soil samples from 16 recreational parks in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria. Cochran’s Q-test was applied to determine whether the difference in the proportions of the egg types found in the soil samples was significant. At a 5% significance level, it was found that the prevalence of the egg types was significantly different in the 184 soil samples from 16 parks. To identify which of the geohelminth eggs had a significantly larger mean proportional prevalence, a minimum required difference mean comparison technique was applied. The mean comparison test showed that Taenia and Coccocidia eggs were highly prevalent, with significantly larger mean proportions than the other analyzed geohelminth eggs in the 184 examined soil samples.

Insights into geohelminth contamination in Bangladesh: feasibility of a modified diagnostic method and prevalence study

The objectives of this study were to evaluate a modified method for isolating geohelminth eggs and to assess the geohelminth contamination in Bangladesh. The efficacy of the modified method was evaluated using naturally contaminated and experimentally seeded soil samples. In total, 240 samples were assessed from four different sites in three geographic contexts. A questionnaire survey with 50 professionals was conducted. The modified method showed considerable efficacy in isolating parasitic eggs from naturally contaminated soil (54.0%) and experimentally seeded soils (63.0% for Toxocara eggs and 52.0% for Ascaris eggs). The modified method was described as convenient by the majority of participants. Overall prevalence was 52.5%, with several species of helminth observed, including Toxocara sp., Ascaridia galli/Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaris sp., hookworms/strongyles, Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., and taeniids). The contamination rate was found to be higher around livestock farms (76.7%), followed by latrines (63.3%), households (41.6%), and schools (28.3%). The modified method was shown to be feasible in terms of field applicability and egg recovery rate, and could be adopted in low-resource settings. A substantial prevalence of geohelminths was observed, with some of the species associated with zoonoses. These findings highlight the urgent need for widespread mapping of geohelminths to avoid spillovers to animals and humans.

PARASITOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SOIL OF INDOOR PLANTS

In modern conditions, interior planting has great importance and distribution. For growing indoor plants, along with ready-made soil, growers often use home-made mixtures. The article presents the results of parasitological studies of the soil from flower pots and the soil used for growing house plants, as well as the soil from forest park zones, and courtyard territories, and sand from playgrounds used in floriculture for composing soil mixtures in urban conditions. The results of the conducted sanitary and parasitological studies found that 4.7% of the home-made soil samples were positive. Eggs of geohelminths Toxocara spp. and Ascaris suum were found in the samples. Eggs of Toxocara spp., Trichocephalus vulpis and Dipylidium caninum were found in soil samples from forest park zones; eggs of Toxocara spp. and Taenia spp. were found in samples from courtyards. The main sources of invasive material in forest-park areas are dogs, while cats along with dogs take part in the contamination of the soil from the adjacent territories. The detection of geohelminth eggs in the soil from flower pots indicates that it is unsafe to use self-prepared soil mixtures without preliminary disinfection.

Distribution Pattern of Soil-transmitted Helminths and Common Practices Enhancing Transmission in Owena, Southwestern Nigeria

Geohelminth infection are a major public health problem worldwide particularly in Africa. This study was carried out to investigate the distribution pattern of soil-transmitted helminths and common practices enhancing transmission in Owena, Southwestern Nigeria. Two hundred (200) soil samples were obtained from five different locations in Owena community and examined for the presence and absence of geohelminths eggs and larvae using Modified Cobbs decanting and sieving method. Different activities and practices that could enhance parasite transmission in the environment were investigated through a well-designed questionnaire. The result revealed that out of the 200 soil samples, 61% were contaminated with at least one parasite. The parasites encountered include Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichiuris trichiura, hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis. Hookworm have the highest contamination prevalence of 55.8%. Furthermore, the result showed that 167 (38.5%) of the respondents does not have appropriate means of waste disposal and as such 29 (14.5%) dispose their waste in the river and 165 (82.5%) dispose their waste materials in any available site such as bushes and backyards. In the same vein only 115 (57.5%) have toilet facilities while 82 (42.5%) does not have toilet facilities. With regard to the type of toilet used, 30 (15%) uses water closet toilet, 84 (42%) make use of pit toilet while 86 (43%) get rid of their faeces through any available mean including bushes and backyards. this result is an evidence that geohelminth is still prevalent and pose a significant health challenge to the residents of Owena community. Thus appropriate management strategy such as health education should be encouraged.

Prevalence and risk factors of geohelminthiasis among the rural village children in Kota Marudu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Geohelminthiasis is a worldwide problem, especially in low-income countries. Children from rural areas and those living in poverty, lacking basic health amenities and having poor environmental sanitation are likely to be affected. Adverse effects such as anemia, protein malnutrition, colitis are common which can affect both the children's physical and mental growing development. A cross-sectional study on geohelminthiasis was conducted among children from 238 households in 13 villages in Kota Marudu of northern Sabah, East Malaysia. The study involved interviewing villagers using questionnaires to collect demographic and socio-economic data, getting faecal samples from the children, collecting soil samples and identifying parasite eggs with microscopy and molecular methods. A total of 407 children (6 months-17 years old) enrolled in the study. Geohelminthiasis was detected in the faecal samples of children from 54% (7/13) of the villages with mean prevalence of infection per village of 9.0% (0%-34.9%). On a household basis, 18% (43/238) of the households sampled had infected children, with mean prevalence rate per household of 11% (0%-43%). The prevalence was for Ascaris lumbricoides: 9.6% (39/407), Trichuris trichiura: 2.7% (11/407) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma sp.): 2.7% (11/407). The overall mean infection rate of the children examined was 14.3%. Significantly higher prevalence was recorded for the children of mothers who did not have any formal education (p = 0.003); household income of less than USD119 (RM500) (p<0.001); children from homes without proper sanitation facilities (p<0.001); children who usually go about barefoot (p<0.001) and not washing feet before entering the house (p = 0.017). Soil samples were found to have geohelminth eggs or larvae which could be due to unhygienic sanitation practices. This study shows the geohelminthiasis is prevalent in the villages, and the risk factors are lack of maternal education, low income, poor sanitation facilities and irregular deworming practice. Expanding deworming coverage in the study region may help reduce the worm infections in these communities, so that the mental and physical development of the children would not be affected by geohelminthiasis. The data on the prevalence of geohelminthiasis in this study would contribute to better public health monitoring and operation to reduce the infection in rural areas.

How Domestic Animals aid in the spread of Geohelminths in their faecal Deposits, Benue State, Nigeria

Domestic animals are source of protein and additional income in most families in Okpokwu Local Government Area BenueState. This study determined the prevalence of geohelminths in the faecal deposits from some domestic animals in OkpokwuLocal Government Area. A total of 480 faecal deposits were collected into the sterile specimen bottles and examined forpresence of helminthes eggs using test tube floatation technique. Of the 480 faecal samples examined, 161(33.5%) werepositive for one or more eggs of helminth parasites. The prevalences were 20%, 15.2%, 9.8%, 5.2% and 3.8% for Ascarisspecies, Toxocara species, Ancylostoma species, Strongloides and Trichuris species, respectively. The highest prevalence of48% was recorded in Ojigo ward and the least prevalence rate of 23% in Okpale/Ingle ward with no significant difference(p&gt;0.05) in the distribution of eggs in the twelve (12) wards sampled. The public health importance of geohelminths eggs infaecal deposits cannot be underestimated therefore, community health education and restriction of animals from roaming arerecommended.&#x0D; Keywords: Geohelminths, Domestic animals, Faeces, Okpokwu.

Environmental contamination and risk factors for geohelminth transmission in three informal settlements in Durban metropole, South Africa.

Informal settlements/slums are characterised by a lack of adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. Contaminated soil and water sources combined with poor hygiene and environmental conditions results in the transmission of soil transmitted helminths to humans. The aim of the present study was to assess environmental contamination and risk factors for geohelminth transmission in three informal settlements in Durban, South Africa. Each settlement had different types of sanitation facilities namely; flush toilets, pit latrines and chemical toilets. Thirty adult members from 30 households from each settlement were interviewed to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on geohelminth transmission. Furthermore, two hundred soil samples were collected from areas considered potential sources of infection and processed for the detection and identification of geohelminth eggs. Prevalence and intensities of geohelminth infections from school-age children were also assessed. From the total collection in the three settlements, 31.6% (95/190) were positive for geohelminth eggs with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Taenia spp. eggs being recovered. Quarry Road West (57%; 114/200) showed the highest levels of soil contamination followed by Briardene (27%; 54/200) and Smithfield (11%; 22/200). Stool samples collected from 135 children were found to contain parasite eggs of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Prevalences and intensities of infection were highest in Quarry Road West for both A. lumbricoides (42%, 57/135; 6.0eggs/g) and T. trichiura (10%, 14/135; 1.9eggs/g) and 9.6% (13/135) harboured dual infections. Open defaecation by community members was observed as the main contributing factor for the presence of geohelminth eggs in soil.

Prevalence of geo-helminths eggs and cysts in soil samples of different primary and high schools of Quetta- Pakistan

Prevalence of geo-helminths eggs and cysts in soil samples of different primary and high schools of Quetta- Pakistan

Occurrence of geohelminths in the soil of children's playgrounds and green areas in the city of Wrocław, Poland.

Pets, strays, and wild animals that excrete dispersal forms of parasites into the soil may be a threat in urban areas. The aim of the study was to determine the level of contamination with geohelminth eggs in community playgrounds (fenced and unfenced), playgrounds in city parks, and a transect found along the banks of the River Oder. In 74 out of 424 examined soil samples, the presence of geohelminths was confirmed (Toxocara spp., Ancylostomatidae and Trichuris spp.). The highest prevalence was noted for Toxocara spp. roundworms. Both total and mean number of eggs in the examined samples, as well as the general prevalence, proved to be diversified in almost all types of development that were compared. Areas near the river emerged as places most exposed to the appearance of geohelminth eggs; playgrounds in city parks were less likely sites; community playgrounds in the city centre were the least common places.

Soil contamination with geohelminths in children’s play areas in Szczecin, Poland

The presence of invasive forms of parasites in the soil represents a potential threat to public health, especially for children. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of contamination with geohelminth eggs of soil samples collected from sandpits and playgrounds in the Szczecin area. The findings showed overall prevalence of soil samples contaminated with geohelminth eggs in the soil and sand of play areas in Szczecin at 41.4%. Four species of parasites have been identified: Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Dipylidium caninum and Trichuris spp. The greatest proportion of infected samples from sandpits contained Toxocara spp. eggs, comprising 22.7% of samples; however, the dominant parasite found in the samples from the play areas was Toxascaris leonina (28.6%). As contamination of the soil with parasite eggs constitutes a risk of infection with parasitic diseases in humans, it is necessary to monitor the presence of geohelminth eggs in soil and to implement activities aimed at prevention of their occurrence.

Incidence of geohelminths on fruits and vegetable farms in Owena, Ondo State, south-west, Nigeria

Geohelminths are soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes which present a potential public health hazard in Nigeria. The present study examined soil samples for the incidence of geohelminths on fruits and vegetable farms in Owena Community. Two hundred (200) soil samples were collected from five vegetable and fruits farms at Owena and examined for the presence of geohelminths eggs and larvae using Modified Cobbs decanting and sieving method. Various activities that could enhance parasite transmission in the environment were investigated using structured questionnaire. The result showed that 122 (61%) of the soil samples had egg and/or larvae of the following parasites, hookworms 139 (56%), Ascaris lumbricoides 76 (30%), Strongyloide sstercoralis 27 (11%) and Trichiuris trichiura 7 (3%). Nematode eggs were found in 90% Ojuelegba soil samples, 80% Igbo Epo soil samples, 55% Ipinlerere soil samples, 45% St. Matthew Primary School soil samples and 30% Oke Odo soil samples. In relation to soil type, Prevalence was significantly higher in loamy soil (50%) compare to sandy soil (11%) (p&lt;0.005). This study revealed the potential health implication of consuming vegetables and fruits grown on parasite-contaminated environment. Thus, high level of personal hygiene should be encouraged in this community.Keywords: Parasitic nematodes; geohelminths; parasitic-contaminated environment; vegetables; fruits

Quantifying the risk of zoonotic geohelminth infections for rural household inhabitants in Central Poland.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of soil transmitted zoonotic helminth infections for families with young children, inhabitants of villages in the Mazowieckie Province of Central Poland. Epidemiological survey was conducted at 33 randomly selected households with 2-3 children present. Examination of soil samples from yards surrounding the houses for the presence of geohelminth eggs was conducted, the households were inspected, and family members interviewed using a designed questionnaire. Among 55 localities examined, i.e. 33 backyards, 10 vegetable gardens and 12 sandpits, contamination was found in 2 backyards (6.1%) and 1 sandpit (8.3%) at 3 households (9.1%). Of the total 550 examined soil samples, 4 (0.7%) were found to contain Trichuris and Toxocara eggs, with an average density of 1.5 and 2.0 eggs per sample. The study showed a low level of soil contamination, which was the result of inhabitants care about the sanitation of their domiciles. However, the results of the questionnaire survey demonstrated the need to warn rural residents about the risk factors for zoonotic helmints infections. In particular, parents should be advised how to minimize the threat of parasitic diseases for children in the rural environment. The presented study showed that promotional campaigns implemented in recent years on the prevention of parasitic zoonoses have had little effect to increase the awareness of the rural community. The present results confirmed that Toxocara is the most common zoonotic agent among geohelminths in the rural environment.

Profile of Geohelminth Eggs, Cysts, and Oocysts of Protozoans Contaminating the Soils of Ten Primary Schools in Dschang, West Cameroon.

Helminthiasis and protozoans infections have been recognized as an important public health problem. The aim of the present study was to screen soil samples collected from 10 primary schools in the city of Dschang for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth eggs, cysts, and oocysts of protozoans. A total of 400 soil samples were collected around latrines, at playgrounds, and behind classrooms in each school. These samples were examined using the sucrose flotation method. From the result obtained, an overall contamination rate of 7.75% was observed. Five genera of nematodes (Ascaris, Trichuris, Capillaria, Cooperia, and hookworms) were identified, while neither cysts nor oocysts of protozoans were detected. The contamination rate and the number of species found were significantly different in wet season as compared to the dry season. During the rainy season, this rate was 12.5% with all the parasitic stages identified, while, in the dry season, the soil contamination rate was 3% with the presence of only two genera (Ascaris and Trichuris). This suggests that parasite infection may occur mainly in rainy season rather than in the dry season. The most common eggs were those of Ascaris with 2% and 5% contamination rates in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Also, the soils around latrines were more contaminated (11.9%) as compared to those collected behind classrooms (7.5%) and those at playground (2.5%). It was concluded that the pupils of these schools may have played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Thus, sanitary education, enforcement of basic rules of hygiene, and deworming remain a necessity in the entire population of the study area in general and in the schools in particular in order to prevent helminth infections and to ensure effective environmental health.

Geohelminths eggs contamination of sandpits in Vladivostok, Russia.

To detect nematode eggs in sandpits in urban area in Vladivostok. Totally 60 samples were collected from five districts. Sand samples were analysed using combined flotation-sedimentation method. In result, 18 sand samples were positive for at one or two parasites species. Overall, only 3 genera of helminths were recovered. Most samples were positive for Toxocara spp. eggs. Toxocara spp. eggs were found in each district. More samples with Toxocara spp. eggs were found in Pervomaiskii district. Ascaris spp. eggs were also appeared in each district, however Ascaris eggs rate of contamination was less than rate of Toxocara spp. contamination. Toxascaris leonina eggs were the less frequent species in sandpits, it was found only in Sovetskii and Pervomaiskii districts. Ascaris eggs rate of contamination was less than rate of Toxocara spp. contamination. Toxascaris leonina eggs were the less frequent species in sandpits, it was found only in two districts. No correlation between districts and helmiths eggs present in soil samples was found (P>0.05). Considering the high sand contamination with parasite infective elements of both human and animal origin, measures to improve environmental and sanitary conditions are indicated, as well as promoting the concept of responsible pet ownership.

Soil Contamination with Soil Transmitted Helminthes in Schools and Play Areas of Kermanshah City, West of Iran

Background: Geohelminth infections are common infections worldwide. These helminthes are parasitic nematodes, which could infect humans and animals by contact with eggs or infective larvae and in some cases cause serious disorders, especially in children. Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of geohelminth eggs in the soil of schools and play areas of Kermanshah city, western Iran. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninety-two soil samples were collected from 24 primary schools and 24 play areas from four different parts of each area. Diagnosis of geohelminth was confirmed by the recovery of their eggs by the flotation technique using sucrose solution and examined under light microscope using 10X and 40X objectives. Results: Out of 192 soil samples, soil of play areas from four regions was contaminated with geohelminth eggs. The rate of soil contamination with Trichuris spp. eggs was 3.12% while this was 2.1% for hookworm eggs, yet no Ascaris eggs were found in the examined soil samples. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study there is a risk of infection with soil transmitted helminthes among children of Kermanshah, Iran.