Vol. 6, Issue 9 (2017)

Author(s):
Chinta Siva Swetha, R Annie Supriya, A Jagadeesh Babu, Sudhanthiramani and T Madhava Rao

Abstract:
Toxocariasis is one of the most frequently reporting public health problems. The main objective of this study was to assess the level of contamination of soil with Toxocara species eggs in the places of public movements like parks, play grounds, roadsides/ streets/ sidewalks. Among the 75 soil samples, only 10 samples (13.33%) were positive for the presence of Toxocara eggs. Out of 20 samples examined from public parks, three samples (15%) were shown positive for presence of Toxocara eggs. The screening of 25 samples from play grounds has revealed that 3 samples (12%) were positive for Toxocara eggs. Out of 30 samples screened from roadsides/ streets/ sidewalks has revealed 4 samples (13.33%) of Toxocara eggs. Among the clay and sandy type of soils, clay soils have shown high percentage (17.14%) of Toxocara eggs than the sandy type of soils (10%). The percentage of Toxocara eggs in public parks has revealed that children play areas are highly contaminated with eggs and may pose risk to the public. Hence there is a need for public health awareness.