An eco-epidemiological study of contamination of soil with infective forms of intestinal parasites

• Autores: Sánchez Thevenet, Paula; Ñancufil, Adrian; Oyarzo, Cintia Mariela; Torrecillas, Claudia Beatriz; Raso, Silvana; Mellado, Ivana; Flores, Maria Elizabeth; Cordoba, Mirta Graciela; Minvielle, Marta Cecilia; Basualdo Farjat, Juan Ángel
• Año de publicación: 2004
• Idioma: inglés
• Tipo de recurso: artículo
• Materia: Medicina; Contamination; Intestinal parasites; Patagonia Argentina; Socioeconomic factors; Top soil; Zoonoses
• Institución: Universidad Nacional de La Plata

The objectives of the present work were to screen topsoil samples collected from public squares in two cities within the Argentine Patagonia for the presence of infective forms of intestinal parasites and to examine the possible relationship between positive findings and the environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural conditions of that region. For this purpose we studied 13 public squares, their 13 custodians, and 44 family groups within their respective surrounding areas. Of the 226 topsoil samples analyzed, 44.3% proved positive for infective forms of intestinal parasites, with 17.3% of these containing more than one species. The frequency of appearance of positive samples was dependent on the season of the year (p 0.05). Some of the organisms detected are associated with zoonoses. We observed the presence of Capillariaspp. and Spirocercaspp. under cool desert climatic conditions. Within the group of custodians we detected hematologic alterations one positive serology for toxoplasmosis and documented behavior conducive to risk of infection with the parasites found in those squares. Within the family group an acquaintance with parasitic zoonoses and their prevention was an inconsistent finding, with toxocarosis and toxoplasmosis being the diseases associated with the greatest degree of ignorance. Furthermore, we consider the failure to deparasitize pets and the practice of feeding them with raw meat, as typically found in our family survey, to be factors contributing to a greater likelihood of public square contamination. From the results obtained here, we propose a spatial organization approach for the purpose of detecting zones at risk of contracting zoonotic parasitoses within urban environments.
Facultad de Ciencias Médicas