Prevalence Of Soils Research Articles

A review of soil and dust ingestion studies for children

Soil and dust ingestion by children may be important pathways of exposure to environmental contaminants. Contaminated soil and dust may end up on children's hands and objects, because they play close to the ground. These contaminants can be ingested by children, because they have a tendency to place objects, including their fingers, in their mouths. Assessing exposure through this pathway requires information about the amount of soil and dust ingested by children. Estimates of soil and dust ingestion and information on the prevalence of the behavior have been published in the literature, but research in this area is generally limited. Three methodologies have been used to quantify soil and dust ingestion rates. In this paper, these are referred to as the tracer element method, the biokinetic model comparison method, and the activity pattern method. This paper discusses the information available on the prevalence of soil and dust ingestion behavior, summarizes the three methodologies for quantifying soil and dust ingestion, and discusses their limitations. Soil ingestion data derived from studies that use these methodologies are also summarized. Although they are based on different estimation approaches, the central tendency estimates of soil and dust ingestion derived from the three methodologies are generally comparable.

Distribution of dermatophytes from soils of urban and rural areas of cities of Paraiba State, Brazil.

SUMMARYThe dermatophytes, keratinophilic fungi, represent important microorganisms of the soil microbiota, where there are cosmopolitan species and others with restricted geographic distribution. The aim of this study was to broaden the knowledge about the presence of dermatophytes in soils of urban (empty lots, schools, slums, squares, beaches and homes) and rural areas and about the evolution of their prevalence in soils of varying pH in cities of the four mesoregions of Paraiba State, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from 31 cities of Paraiba State. Of 212 samples, 62% showed fungal growth, particularly those from the Mata Paraibana mesoregion (43.5%), which has a tropical climate, hot and humid. Soil pH varied from 4.65 to 9.06, with 71% of the growth of dermatophytes occurring at alkaline pH (7.02 - 9.06) (ρ = 0.000). Of 131 strains isolated, 57.3% were geophilic species, particularly Trichophyton terrestre (31.3%) and Mycrosporum gypseum (21.4%). M. nanum and T. ajelloi were isolated for the first time in Paraiba State. The zoophilic species identified were T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (31.3 %) and T. verrucosum (7.6 %), and T. tonsurans was isolated as an anthropophilic species. The soils of urban areas including empty lots, schools, slums and squares of cities in the mesoregions of Paraiba State were found to be the most suitable reservoirs for almost all dermatophytes; their growth may have been influenced by environmental factors, soils with residues of human and/or animal keratin and alkaline pH.

Microhabitat use and diet of Anotosaura vanzolinia(Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) in a Caatinga area, Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the microhabitat use and diet of the lizard Gymnophthalmidae Anotosaura vanzolinia (Dixon 1974) in the Complexo Aluízio Campos (7° 16′ 34″ S, 35° 53′ 7″ W), an area of the Caatinga in the Campina Grande, Paraíba. We studied a total of 12 transects by active searching during the daytime. In each sample, habitat and microhabitat types occupied by the specimen were categorized, together with solar incidence and soil type. For all individuals, morphometric measurements were performed, as well as dissection for stomach content analysis. We collected a total of 46 individuals, with a snout-vent length ranging between 19 and 45 mm, collected over all habitats, with prevalence in soil and earthy litter microhabitats near rocky outcrops. The dietary analysis showed a use of items of soil fauna and identified 14 types of prey, mainly insects such as termites and ants. It was observed that smaller individuals (SVL < 30 mm) fed mainly on Hymenoptera (Family Formicidae), whereas larger individuals (SVL > 30 mm) selected Isoptera.

Prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminthes infestation among preschool children of Vadamaradchi Educational Zone

This cross sectional study was designed to find out the prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infestation and associated factors among preschool children of Vadamaraadchi Educational Zone in Jaffna district. One preschool was randomly selected from each division (3) of the educational zone, and all the children (n=103) of selected schools were included in the study. Faecal samples were collected and examined by direct wet smear, salt flotation and formal ether concentration techniques. Demographic, socio-economic and health related behavior data were obtained from the parents using interviewer administered questionnaire. Prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes was zero in this study. Majority of the fathers were fishermen (55%), whereas most of the mothers were housewives (86%). Sixty five percentage (65%) of fathers and 68% of mothers studied up to G.C.E O/L. Eighty nine (86%) parents were aware of worm infestation. Ninety nine (96%) stated that they cleaned their children after defecation. Among them, the majority always (88%) and a few (8%) sometimes washed their hands with soap and water after cleaning. Almost an equal proportion of children used water sealed toilets (48%) and open ground (47%) for defecation. Fifty two (50%) children always and 43 (42%) children sometimes used foot ware when they went out. Most of the children (96%) received antihelminthic drugs. Seventy two children (70%) received the drug within the last 3months. The study indicates, the reduction in the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes could be mainly due to anti-helminthic prophylaxis and practice of hand washing by the parents. A case control study has to be carried out to confirm the above conclusion. The majority (70%) received more frequent anti helminthic prophylaxis. As there are reports of anti helminthic resistance, further study is needed to find out the appropriate intervals at which anti-helminthic prophylaxis to be given. Key words : Soil Transmitted Helminthes; preschool children; antihelminthic prophylaxis DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/vingnanam.v10i1.4075 Ving. Journal of Science 2011 , Vol. 10, No. 1 25-34

Prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infections among Bangladeshi males seeking job abroad

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infections and its relation to socio-demographic characteristics among Bangladeshi males seeking job abroad. The stool sample of each respondent coming for medical check up was collected by code number and examined under microscope to see the presence helminthic ova or larvae. Among 8140 respondents, 68.05% were from rural and 31.95% from urban area. As a whole, helminthic infection was found in 20.22% respondents. Off which rural and urban distribution were 27.58% and 5.22% respectively (p<0.001). Pattern of helminthes as per rural and urban basis were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides in 12.45% & 2.61%, Trichuris trichurias in 2.61% & 2.50% samples respectively. As per age distribution was concerned, number of positive cases among rural population in all age groups was statistically higher (p<0.001) than that of urban population. Similarly, rate of combined infections among the rural population was also statistically higher (p<0.001). Higher positivity of helminthes was obtained in low-level educated respondents and in the farmers group. Since the study reflected a high proportion of helminthes infections in rural people, so it was recommended to launch regular deworming programme in rural community at national level. Health education activities on proper sanitary practice, safe disposal of excreta and taking safe food-drinks should be meaningful to eradicating helminthes infections. Further study is needed for monitoring the active status in the community.

Geohelminth eggs in the soil and stool of pupils of some primary schools in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria

Samples of soil from yards and stool from pupils in six public and private primary schools in Samaru, Zaria were examined for geohelminh eggs towards highlighting the public health significance of contaminating soil with faeces. Of the 1,120 soil and 800 stool sample examined using the ZnSO4 centrifugal floatation technique and microscopy, 12.0% and 52.0% were positive, respectively. Eggs of Ascaris sp (4.6%), Trichuris sp (4.0%) hookworm (2.8%,) Toxocara sp (0.4%), and Strongyloides sp (0.2%) were recovered from he soil. The stool samples contained eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides (9.3%) and eggs/larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (1.5%). The prevalence in soil was not influenced by the apparent cleanliness of the environment of the private schools in contrast to the environment of the private schools in contrast to the very dirty state of the public schools (p>0.05), nor was the prevalence in the public influenced by heir sex or age (p>0.05). The wide and unrestricted spread of the prevalence/ infection is attributable to indiscriminate disposal of faeces in and around the school the yards and Samaru in general. Intervention by way of education on poor hygiene habits and coupled with legislation against indiscriminate disposal of faeces and is enforcement, is recommended. The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 115-122

Prevalence of Soil Mouthing/Ingestion among Healthy Children Aged 1 to 6

Ingestion of non-food items/mouthing behavior results in exposure of children to contaminants in soil/dust. We characterize the prevalence of such behaviors in healthy children. The relative frequency of such behaviors was assessed by parent interviews for 533 children age 1 to 6. Thirty-eight percent of children put soil in their mouths at least monthly, 24% at least weekly, and 11% daily. High-risk behavior decreased quickly for children aged 2 or more, but was still reported at least monthly by 3 to 9% of parents of children up through age 6. Highest outdoor object mouthing rates occur among 1-year-old children, who are reported to play daily in sand/dirt and have generally high levels of mouthing. Such children may have higher soil/dust ingestion and higher exposure to contaminants when soil/dust contains lead or other agents. These high-risk groups may help focus educational interventions and/or risk assessments.

POPULATION DIFFERENCES IN INDIGENOUS FUSARIUM SPECIES BY CORN CULTURE OF PRAIRIE SOIL

Six species of Fusarium were identified among approximately 7,000 cultures isolated from roots and soils collected from prairies and cornfields in southern Minnesota. In both soil sources, F. oxysporum and F. solani predominated, followed in order by F. roseum, F. episphaeria, F. tricinctum, and F. moniliforme. The same order was obtained for the 28 species of prairie grasses and forbs as for corn. From prairie plant and corn roots, respectively, F. oxysporum was isolated from 64 and 90%; F. solani, 26 and 80%; F. roseum, 8 and 35%; and F. tricinctum, 6 % each. In 10 of 17 companion soil pairs, populations of Fusarium species were higher in cornfield than in prairie soils. Populations of F. roseum and F. moniliforme especially, were higher in cornfield soils of sample pairs, but populations of F. solani were higher in prairie soils. Fusarium roseum ‘Equiseti’ was the predominant cultivar of this species in both prairie and cornfield soils. Thus all six species of Fusarium appeared to be indigenous to the prairie, and some, especially F. roseum, apparently had increased in prevalence in soil and roots by corn culture.

Population Differences in Indigenous Fusarium Species by Corn Culture of Prairie Soil

Six species of Fusarium were identified among approximately 7,000 cultures isolated from roots and soils collected from prairies and cornfields in southern Minnesota. In both soil sources, F. oxysporum and F. solani predominated, followed in order by F. roseum, F. episphaeria, F. tricinctum, and F. moniliforme. The same order was obtained for the 28 species of prairie grasses and forbs as for corn. From prairie plant and corn roots, respectively, F. oxysporum was isolated from 64 and 90%; F. solani, 26 and 80%; F. roseum, 8 and 35%; and F. tricinctum, 6 % each. In 10 of 17 companion soil pairs, populations of Fusarium species were higher in cornfield than in prairie soils. Populations of F. roseum and F. moniliforme especially, were higher in cornfield soils of sample pairs, but populations of F. solani were higher in prairie soils. Fusarium roseum ‘Equiseti’ was the predominant cultivar of this species in both prairie and cornfield soils. Thus all six species of Fusarium appeared to be indigenous to the prairie, and some, especially F. roseum, apparently had increased in prevalence in soil and roots by corn culture.