Eggs Of Toxocara Canis Research Articles

Morphological Characteristics of Toxocara spp. Adults Determined by Electron Microscopy

Ascarids are commonly diagnosed in dogs and cats. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs are similar, and the difference between the two species is based on the morphological characteristics of adult roundworms. Specific morphological components can be revealed by light microscopy, but a detailed description of the structural characteristics can be provided by electron microscopy. The body of adult roundworms dehydrates highly quickly, thus it is quite difficult to obtain clear images. The aim of this study was to provide morphological details specific to the Toxocara genus to complete the knowledge about the morphology of roundworms. The morphology of these nematodes can be thoroughly explained by certain phenomena related to their biological cycle and the preference for localization in various organs of the parasitic host.

First report on occurrence of zoonotic helminth Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina and Ancylostoma caninum in domestic dogs from province of Djelfa, Algeria.

A total of 85 faecal samples of domestic dogs were collected from six localities, including Birine, Sidi Ladjel, Dar Chioukh, Aïn Maâbed, Aïn El-Ibel and Djelfa city from province of Djelfa, Algeria. Samples were tested for presence of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina and Ancylostoma caninum eggs by formol-ether concentration and flotation techniques. Microscopic examination revealed an infection rate of 9.4%, 15.3% and 1.15% for T. canis, T. leonina and A. caninum, respectively. Males were more frequently infected with T. leonina as compared to females, while, no difference was observed regarding T. canis and A. caninum. Prevalence of T. canis and T. leonina did not vary significantly with age ranges of dogs. In contrast, A. caninum seems to be more found in dogs aged of 6-12 months. Prevalence of the three species did not vary significantly in dogs without diarrhea and those with diarrhea. Through these preliminary findings, dogs from steppic region of Djelfa can play a potential role in the dissemination of these neglected zoonotic helminths, which may endanger health of peoples, particularly, pastoral community.

A Sensitive, One-Way Sequential Sieving Method to Isolate Helminths' Eggs and Protozoal Oocysts from Lettuce for Genetic Identification.

Different helminths and protozoa are transmitted to humans by oral uptake of environmentally resistant parasite stages after hand-to-mouth contact or by contaminated food and water. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for the simultaneous detection of parasite stages from fresh produce (lettuce) by a one-way isolation test kit followed by genetic identification (PCR, sequencing). Three sentinel zoonotic agents (eggs of Toxocara canis, Echinococcus multilocularis and oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii) were used to investigate the practicability and sensitivity of the method. The detection limits (100% positive results) in the recovery experiments were four Toxocara eggs, two E. multilocularis eggs and 18 T. gondii oocysts (in 4/5 replicates). In a field study, helminth DNA was detected in 14 of 157 lettuce samples including Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Syn. Taenia taeniaeformis) (four samples), T. polyacantha (three), T. martis (one), E. multilocularis (two) and Toxocara cati (four). Toxoplasma gondii was detected in six of 100 samples. In vivo testing in mice resulted in metacestode growth in all animals injected with 40–60 E. multilocularis eggs, while infection rates were 20–40% with 2–20 eggs. The developed diagnostic strategy is highly sensitive for the isolation and genetic characterisation of a broad range of parasite stages from lettuce, whereas the sensitivity of the viability tests needs further improvement.

Effects of some disinfectants on Toxocara spp.eggs viability of dogs and cats

The main cause of larva migrans syndrome LMS in humans is represented by Toxocara spp. found in dogs and cats. In the present study, the effects of three disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium compounds Kohrsolin® FF, Trioton$^{®}$ rapid AF and Terralin$^{®}$ protect and one based on propanol and ethanol Bacillol$^{®}$ , against Toxocaracanis and Toxocaracati eggs, were tested. These disinfectants have a strong antimicrobial and virucidal action. Two different exposure times and different concentrations for solutions were used. All four disinfectants presented high percentages of destructive effects against Toxocaracanis eggs, after 21 days of exposure. The vast majority of eggs with pronounced degenerative changes in the eggshell and embryonic development were observed using Bacillol$^{®}$ for both Toxocara species. Terralin$^{®}$ protect was ineffective against Toxocaracati eggs. The ovicidal effect of these compounds has been noticed thus allowing their use as disinfectants for surfaces contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs.

Anti-Toxocara effects of Cassia nodosa plant extract in experimentally infected mice

Objective The current study aimed to evaluate the parasitological and pathological effects of the ethanolic extract of Cassia nodosa in the treatment of murine toxocariasis. Background Toxocariasis is mainly treated by albendazole (ALZ) and thiabendazole. C. nodosa is a plant which has been used in the traditional medicine. Materials and methods BALB/c mice (n = 50) were divided into five groups (10 mice each): group I (normal control), group II (infected untreated control), group III (infected and received ALZ), group IV (infected and received C. nodosa), and group V (infected and received both ALZ and C. nodosa). All the infected mice were orally given 1000 embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis. Results All treatments revealed significant reduction of total T. canis larvae. C. nodosa achieved 69.45% reduction, which was better than ALZ (44%). The plant extract showed better control of pathology than ALZ. ALZ +C. nodosa revealed the highest reduction percentage with 93.2% (P Conclusion C. nodosa reduced Toxocara larvae number and improved the pathological lesions, initiated by T. canis larvae, so C. nodosa extract can be a potential natural drug against this parasitic infection.

Comparison of In Vitro Efficacy of Six Disinfectants on the Hatching of Larval Eggs of Toxocara canis.

Background:The environmental contamination with Toxocara canis eggs increases the risk of dissemination and transmission of the parasite in dogs and paratenic hosts such as humans. We aimed to evaluate different disinfectants to compare their effect on T. canis eggs.Methods:For its realization, 850 embryonated eggs were obtained, which were suspended in a solution of 5% formaldehyde and distilled water in Eppendorf tubes. In the tubes containing the 850 embryonated eggs, researchers was added 0.5 mL of each solution (enzymatic solution, sodium hypochlorite, iodopovidone, quaternary of ammonium, benzalkonium chloride, and super oxidation solution). After mixing, an aliquot was taken, observed under the microscope, and the number of broken eggs counted at different times to find the most effective ovicidal moment.Results:The enzymatic disinfectant present a significant difference (P = 0.05) with 276.06 broken eggs followed by ammonium with 105.20 broken eggs. After 10 min, the ammonium solution was the one that showed a significant difference of 50.50 hatched eggs, followed by the enzymatic 26.80 and hypochlorite 25.00 treatments. After 20 min, the enzymatic solution treatment showed a significant difference with the other solutions showing an increase of 98.80 broken eggs. In the 30 and 40-min times, only the enzymatic treatment showed a significant difference of 334.10 and 381.70 of broken eggs respectively.Conclusion:The enzymatic solution has the greatest ovicidal effect against the eggs of T. canis to present a greater number of broken eggs in a given time between 20 and 40 minutes.

Saccharomyces boulardii reduces the mean intensity of infection in mice caused by the consumption of liver contaminated by Toxocara canis.

Probiotics have shown promising results as a potential method to control toxocariasis in mice inoculated with embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Saccharomyces boulardii in mice fed in natura chicken livers infected with T. canis. Twenty 15-day-old male Sussex chickens were inoculated with 300 T. canis embryonated eggs via intragastric catheter (GI). After 72h of infection, each liver was collected and individually offered to a group of 20 mice. Mice that received supplemented ration with S. boulardii (1.107 colony forming units) and consumed in natura chicken liver showed reduction in infection intensity of 67.1%. This study demonstrated that administration of S. boulardii has potential as a probiotic to assist in controlling visceral toxocariasis caused by the consumption of viscera from paratenic hosts containing infective parasite larvae.

Concurrent Helminthosis Engendered Gastroenteritis in a Leopard Panthera Pardus.

SummaryThe necropsy of a leopard (Panthera pardus), succumbed to a chronic ailment exhibited a mixed parasitic gastroenteritis. Gross internal examination of carcass revealed the presence of round and tapeworms in the stomach and intestines with diffuse catarrhal and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The detailed examination of the intestinal content revealed the presence of Toxocara canis and Spirometra species eggs. Also, the gross morphological investigation of round and tapeworms approved the presence of both species. Histo-pathological examination showed sloughing of intestinal epithelium, hemorrhages, and ulcerative areas with the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells admixed with mononuclear cells. Lungs revealed the accumulation of eosinophilic edematous fl uid in the alveolar spaces along with inflammatory cells. These parasites are pathogenic to precious wild felids and often pose a threat of zoonotic transmission due to spill-over infections. The present case study is an attempt to put on record a case of parasitic gastroenteritis in a captive leopard.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in dogs in northern and southern Egypt.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the parasitic roundworms, Toxocara canis, commonly found in the intestine of dogs. Identification of frequent shedders for Toxocara canis eggs and the associated risk factors overwhelmingly remain an important cornerstone of conducting evidence-based deworming regimens to reduce the environmental contamination with the parasite eggs. The present study was undertaken to prevalence rate of shedding of Toxocara canis eggs in dogs in Egypt combined with the possible risk factors naturally associated with the infection A total number of 296 fecal samples of dogs were collected in the period from July 2016 to June 2017 and properly screened for the presence of possible infection with an. Importantly, The overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs was 53.04% whereas, seasonal dynamics, dog breeds, the irregular anthelmintic use, defecation sites, and unconfined management of dogs were among the risk factors with a significant association with Toxocara canis infection. Taken together, our present data reveal the high overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs shedding in in several Egyptian provinces and provide novel information that should pay our attention of the local authorities combined with the public engagement towards implementation of effective control strategies against this disease of zoonotic importance.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxocara canis Eggs in Dogs in Tripoli, Libya

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxocara canis Eggs in Dogs in Tripoli, Libya

Potential Usefulness of Filamentous Fungi to Prevent Zoonotic Soil-Transmitted Helminths.

The usefulness of a strategy involving the biological control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) with zoonotic potential is tested. A blend of spores of two filamentous fungi, Mucor circinelloides and Duddingtonia flagrans, was provided to one group (G-2) of puppies (five Griffon bleu de Gascogne and five Gascon Saintongeois) shedding eggs of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, and Ancylostoma caninum. Other identical group (G-1) remained without spores. Fecal samples were collected daily and divided into two portions, one sample was immediately analyzed by the flotation test and the other was examined 28 days later. Viability of eggs of T. canis, T. leonina, and T. vulpis in fecal pats was ascertained by microscopic examination; the numbers of larvae of A. caninum were assessed in each group. In the feces of G-2, spores of both fungi were observed 1 day after beginning the assay. Viability of eggs of T. canis was reduced by 57%, T. leonina by 61% and T. vulpis by 53% in the fecal pats of G-2, and by 87%, 92%, and 85%, respectively, in G-1. The numbers of third-stage larvae of A. caninum were 59% lower in G-2 than that in G-1. By considering the results obtained and the absence of adverse effects in the puppies of G-2, it is concluded that the presence of the filamentous fungi in the feces has a high potential to avoid the transmission of these parasites. Further studies are in progress to determine the appropriate way of administration to pets.

Dispersion and infectivity of Toxocara canis eggs after passage through chicken intestine.

Toxocariasis is an important, but neglected, worldwide zoonosis. It is considered a primarily soil-transmitted disease, but food-borne transmission has been associated with the consumption either of raw or undercooked meat of paratenic hosts, including birds. Despite the number of experimental studies carried out to evaluate the behavior of Toxocara spp. larvae in birds, their role in the dispersion of eggs into the environment remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of broiler chickens to release Toxocara canis eggs into the environment, and the infectivity of eggs after passage through the intestine. Forty commercial broiler chickens, aged 60days, were randomly distributed into three groups. Groups 1 (n = 16) and 2 (n = 16) were orally infected with 5000 embryonated and 5000 unembryonated T. canis eggs, respectively. Group 3 (n = 8) served as a control. Following infection, fecal samples from each chicken were examined using a centrifuge-sedimentation technique. At 24-h, 72-h, and 7-day post-infection (PI), four chickens each from the G1 and G2 groups, and two from the G3 group were killed. After euthanasia, the intestinal content and liver were collected for recovery of T. canis larvae. Results revealed that broiler chickens have the potential to disperse both embryonated and unembryonated T. canis eggs, following 2- to 6-h PI. In addition, the eggs shed into the feces of the G2 birds, after incubation in laboratorial conditions, were infective when they were tested in a bioassay using mice. In conclusion, broiler chickens have the potential of dispersing Toxocara spp. eggs into the environment and the eggs passed through the intestine are infective after being incubated in experimental conditions.

Study of the Effect of Metal Complexes on Morphology and Viability of Embryonated Toxocara canis Eggs.

An organic salt and four metal complexes derived from azole were evaluated against embryonated Toxocara canis eggs (TCE). The new organic salt, (LH)+(FeCl4)-, where L = 3,5-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-ylmethyl)toluene (5), a potential environmental disinfectant, was isolated as an air-stable yellow solid and characterized by elemental analysis, electrical conductivity, mass spectrometry, and infrared and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. In addition, the structure of 5 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 showed high anti-TCE activity. Interestingly, these compounds showed little effect on hepatocytes, indicating that they are not cytotoxic. These results will assist in the design of anti-TCE compounds.

Developmental stages and viability of Toxocara canis eggs outside the host

Toxocariasis is a soil-transmitted zoonotic disease caused mainly by ingestion of larvated eggs of Toxocara canis. To study the morphology of the intraovular developmental stages of Toxocara canis in culture, characterize non-viable eggs and the sequences of larval molting and compare the viability of eggs at the early stages of division and at reaching full maturation. Observation of developing embryos and characterization of non-viable eggs were done using light microscope. The proportions of viable eggs during embryonation were compared to the proportions of viable mature eggs. Cell division commenced after 24 hours of cultivation. Early stages were found to be present over a period of 3-5 days. The developmental stages identified were eggs with: One cell, two cells, three cells, four cells, early morula, late morula, blastula, gastrula, tadpole, pre-larva, first, second and third stage larva. Two larval molts occurred. Non-viable eggs had degenerated cytoplasm, thin or collapsed shell and the larvae did not move after exposure to light. No significant differences were found between the proportions of viable eggs from day five to day 21 as compared to viability of fully mature eggs (30 days). Developing embryos in the environment may be considered as a potential threat to the public health. The precise identification of developmental stages and the clear differentiation of viable and non-viable eggs can help in determining an accurate baseline rate of development that could be used in studies of ovicidal compounds.

INTEGRATED EVALUATION OF THE POLLUTION OF OBJECTS AND INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE REGION OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS WITH EGGS TOXOCARA CANIS (WERNER, 1782)

The article presents the results of studies on the integrated assessment of the pollution of objects and infrastructure in the North Caucasus region with Toxocara canis eggs (Werner, 1782). The soil and reservoirs of 63 villages and 9 cities of Kabardino-Balkaria are at risk for the contamination by eggs of the causative agent Toxocara Canis (Werner, 1782) and are dangerous for humans and animals. The contamination of soil and water with Toxocara eggs in the North Caucasus region occurs via the chain: “dog-feces-water-soil-agricultural animals and humans”, which causes the activity of the epidemic process of invasion with 80-100% egg contamination. Indices of contamination load with eggs Toxocara Canis (Werner, 1782) of soil from the territory of well-equipped households amounted to 33.0%, not landscaped - 92%, soils in the places of keeping dogs and kitchen gardens -100%. In the soil from the territories of schools and parks, Toxocara Canis eggs (Werner, 1782) were found in 70-96% samples. Toxocara Canis (Werner, 1782), extensive indices of contamination of the soil of agricultural objects accounted for in scrapings from feeders -58%, scrapings from the floor - 93%, soil of courtyards - 100%; water from puddles and water holes - 100%, soils of the territory of cattle-breeding farms 80-100%. In the suburban areas, there is a high level of contamination with eggs of Toxocara Canis (Werner, 1782). Eggs of the nematode Toxocara Canis (Werner, 1782) are found in 80% of soil samples; In 65% of dill samples, 74% of parsley samples, 66% of cilantro samples, 70% of salad samples, 63% of sorrel samples, 37% of the samples of green peas, 44% of tomato samples, 62% of the samples of cabbage, 56% of samples of cucumbers of open ground, when eggs are detected, respectively, 27.6 ± 3.1; 11.8 ± 1.2; 17.2 ± 1.5; 19.0 ± 1.6; 16.7 ± 1.4; 18.3 ± 1.7; 10.5 ± 1.1; 13.2 ± 1.3; 15.4 ± 1.5; 12.7 ± 1.2 specimens in 100 g of the sample. On average, Toxocara Canis eggs (Werner, 1782) were found in 61.7% of the samples from the investigated objects with the presence of 16.24 ± 1.56 specimens per 100 g of sample.

Longitudinal study for anthelmintic efficacy against intestinal helminths in naturally exposed Lithuanian village dogs: critical analysis of feasibility and limitations

The efficacy of anthelmintic treatment at 1, 3, and 6month intervals was evaluated in a prospective controlled field study with naturally exposed Lithuanian village dogs by monthly coproscopy during 1year. A placebo-treated control group (C) (n = 202) and groups treated with two broad-spectrum anthelmintics, febantel/pyrantel-embonate/praziquantel (Drontal® Plus, Bayer) (D1, D3, D6; n = 113-117) and emodepside/praziquantel (Profender®, Bayer) (P1, P3, P6; n = 114-119), were included. At the beginning of the study, eggs of Toxocara canis (4.02%) and T. cati (0.44%) identified morphometrically and/or molecularly and eggs of taeniid- (0.78%) and Capillaria-like eggs (5.03%) were present in the feces without significant differences in prevalence between groups. Significant decreases in excretion of T. canis eggs was found 1month after the treatment with Drontal® Plus in February (D1) and with Profender® in October (P1), November (P1), December (P3), February (P1), and March (P1, P3), as compared to controls in the same months. The incidence of egg excretion per dog at least once a year was significantly lower in group P1 for T. canis (4.24%; p < 0.01) and in groups D1, P1 for taeniid eggs (0%; p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), when compared to controls (16.96 and 6.70%, respectively). A critical analyses of factors possibly responsible for intestinal passage of canine helminth eggs revealed that chained dogs excreted T. canis eggs more frequently 1month after treatment compared to dogs in pens, particularly from November to March (p = 0.01). The incidence of single detection of T. cati eggs was significantly increased in chained dogs (12.46%) as compared to fenced dogs (1.08%; p = 0.0001).

Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks and playground sandpits of Greater Lisbon, Portugal.

Toxocarosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease transmitted from companion animals to humans. Environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs is considered to be the main source of human infections. In Portugal, knowledge regarding the current situation, including density, distribution and environmental contamination by Toxocara spp., is largely unknown. The present study investigated environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs, in soil and faecal samples collected from public parks and playground sandpits in Greater Lisbon, Portugal. A total of 151 soil samples and 135 canine faecal samples were collected from 7 public sandpits and 12 public parks, over a 4 month-period. Soil samples were tested by a modified centrifugation and sedimentation/flotation technique and faecal samples were tested by an adaptation of the Cornell-Wisconsin method. Molecular analysis and sequencing were performed to discriminate Toxocara species in the soil. Overall, 85.7% of the sandpits (6/7) and 50.0% of the parks (6/12) were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. The molecular analysis of soil samples showed that, 85.5% of the sandpits and 34.4% of the parks were contaminated with Toxocara cati eggs. Faecal analysis showed that 12.5% of the sandpits and 3.9% of the parks contained Toxocara canis eggs. In total, 53.0% of soil and 5.9% of faecal samples were positive for Toxocara spp. Additionally, 56.0% of the eggs recovered from the samples were embryonated after 60 days of incubation, therefore considered viable and infective. The average density was 4.2 eggs per hundred grams of soil. Public parks and playground sandpits in the Lisbon area were found to be heavily contaminated with T. cati eggs, representing a serious menace to public health as the studied areas represent common places where people of all ages, particularly children, recreate. This study sounds an alarm bell regarding the necessity to undertake effective measures such as reduction of stray animals, active faecal collection by pet owners, awareness campaigns and control strategies to decrease the high risk to both animal and human health.

Efficacy of Zingiber officinale ethanol extract on the viability, embryogenesis and infectivity of Toxocara canis eggs.

This study evaluated the effect of Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale) ethanol extract on the viability, embryogenesis and infectivity Toxocara canis (T. canis) eggs. It was carried out both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro experiment, unembryonated T. canis eggs were incubated with 25, 50 and 100mg/mL Z. officinale extract at 25°C for 6, 12, and 24h to assess the effect of Z. officinale on their viability and for two weeks to assess the effect of Z. officinale on their embryogenesis. In vivo experiment was performed to assess the effect of Z. officinale on infectivity of T. canis eggs. Treated embryonated eggs by Z. officinale extract at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100mg/mL for 24h were inoculated into mice and their livers were examined for the presence of T. canis larvae on the 7thday after infection and for histopathological evaluation at 14thday post-infection. Z. officinale showed a significant ovicidal activity on T. canis eggs. The best effect was observed with 100mg/mL concentration after 24h with an efficacy of 98.2%. However, the treated eggs by 25, 50mg/mL of Z. officinale extract after 24h showed ovicidal activity by 59.22 and 82.5% respectively. Moreover, this extract effectively inhibited T. canis eggs embryogenesis by 99.64% and caused their degeneration at the concentration of 100mg/mL after 2weeks of treatment. However, the lower concentrations, 25 and 50mg/mL inhibited embryogenesis by 51.19 and 78.57% respectively. The effect of Z. officinale on the infectivity T. canis eggs was proven by the reduction of larvae recovery in the livers by 35.9, 62.8 and 89.5% in mice groups inoculated by Z. officinale treated eggs at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100mg/mL respectively. Histopathologically, the liver tissues of mice infected with Z. officinale treated eggs at the concentration of 100mg/mL appeared healthy with slight degenerative changes of hepatocytes, opposite to that recorded in the infected mice with treated eggs by the lower concentrations. In conclusion; Z. officinale extract possessed dose-dependent anti-T. canis activity on the viability, embryogenesis and infectivity of T. canis eggs.

Gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs from Belgrade, Serbia

It is well known that dog shelters are a common source for parasitic infections in different countries worldwide. The present study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the frequency of polyparasitism in dogs living in two private shelters in Belgrade, Serbia. For this purpose, 134 faecal samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites with the merthiolate-iodine-formalin concentration (MIFC)-method as well as for Giardia-coproantigen with an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taeniid eggs were identified by PCR and sequence analysis. Overall, at least one of nine different endoparasites was detected in 75.4% (101/134) of the dogs. Giardia duodenalis coproantigen was found most frequently (45.5%; 61/134), followed by eggs of Ancylostomatidae (41.0%; 55/134), oocysts of Hammondia/Neospora (11.2%; 15/134), eggs of Toxascaris leonina (9.7%; 13/134), oocysts of Isospora canis (8.2%; 11/134), eggs of Trichuris vulpis (6.7%; 9/134), cysts of Sarcocystis spp. (4.5%; 6/134), eggs of Toxocara canis (3.0%; 4/134) and eggs of Taenia spp. (1.5%; 2/134). The results of the study confirm a high parasitic burden in the investigated shelter dogs and call for an effective deworming program including an improved hygiene management in the affected facilities.

Distribution and dynamics of soil contamination with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs in Poland and prevention measures proposed after 20 years of study

The studies conducted in the years 1994–2013 allowed to determine the distribution of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil of different types of urban and rural areas in Poland and to establish seasonal and multi-year dynamics of soil contamination with T. cati and T. canis eggs. Out of 3309 soil samples examined, 14.9% contained the eggs and the average density was 3.43 eggs/100g of soil. The level of soil contamination was the highest in cities, lower in villages, and lowest in small towns. In urban areas eggs of T. cati were found more frequently than of T. canis, while in rural areas the opposite was true. Both, in urban and rural areas, the sites most heavily contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs were household surroundings (backyards). Recreation areas (parks, playgrounds, lake beaches) were significantly less contaminated. In older parts of Poznań, in backyards, soil contamination with the eggs was generally high each month, being lowest in July and highest in December and the prevalence of T. cati eggs was much higher than of T. canis. The prevention policy introduced in the city thus far – paying great attention to dog faeces but not to cats was unsatisfactory. After 18 years of such policy, the number of Toxocara spp. eggs dropped significantly but it was not a linear phenomenon – the intensity of soil contamination fluctuated. To be more effective, preventive measures should be preceded with discrimination of T. canis and T. cati eggs recovered in the soil and for this purpose the new molecular techniques should be applied. A survey conducted in the population in 2010 showed that people’s awareness on the significance of pets in the transmission of dangerous zoonoses to humans was unsatisfactory. We recommend to expand the knowledge of the subject among the populace.