Journal of Helminthology

Table of Contents - 2001 - Volume 75, Issue 02  

Cambridge Journals Online - CUP Full-Text Page

Research Article

Prevalence and viability of eggs of Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina in public parks in eastern Spain

M.R. Ruiz de Ybxkáñeza1 c1, M.M. Garijoa1 and F.D. Alonsoa1



a1 Parasitología y Enfermedades Parasitarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30071 Espinardo, Spain

Article author query

Ruiz de Ybxkáñez MR [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]
Garijo MM [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]
Alonso FD [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]

Abstract

To demonstrate the prevalence of Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina eggs in parks in Murcia city, eastern Spain, a total 644 soil samples were examined from nine parks. More than 67% of parks and 1.24% of soil samples were contamined and the mean egg density per sample was 16.7±20 eggs per 100 g of soil. Over 97% of eggs identified were viable. Only one sample was positive for Toxascaris leonina. The present findings suggest that shady conditions are important for the occurrence and viability of Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina eggs in soil as there were significantly more positive samples in shaded and moist areas compared with open and dry habitats.

(Accepted January 29 2001)

Correspondence:

c1 Fax: 34 68 364147 E-mail: rocio@fcu.um.es