SOIL CONTAMINATION BY GEOHELMINTHS IN PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS IN SOUTHERN MUNICIPALITIES OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL (RS), BRAZIL.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the environmental soil contamination by parasites in public squaresof six municipalities in southern Rio Grande do Sul. From 10 public squares, 10 sand samples wereanalyzed, totaling 100 samples. The technique of Cadwell & Cadwell adapted by Person & Martinsfor parasite searches in soil was used. Parasitic contamination was found in 41% (41) of the samplesand all squares evaluated had at least one positive sample. The most frequent parasite was Toxocaraspp., present in 25% of samples, followed by Strongyloidea superfamily (possibly hookworms) (11%),Ascaris spp. (4%) and Trichuris spp. (2%), among others. The presence of dogs and animal feces inthe majority of the evaluated sites was also reported. These results confirm the possibility of helminthtransmission to users of these squares, mainly visceral larva migrans, cutaneous larva migrans andintestinal parasites. These findings show the need to implement preventive measures to minimizefecal contamination of soil in public areas used for leisure. Possible strategies include the educationof the population, control of stray animals and responsible animal ownership.