Soil contamination with ascarid eggs in playgrounds in Kirikkale, Turkey

Contamination of soil with feline and canine ascarid eggs in eight playgrounds in Kirikkale, Turkey was investigated monthly from February 2003 to January 2004. Dog faeces were also collected and all samples were examined using the zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation method. Eggs of Toxocara were observed in 5 of 8 (62.5%) of playgrounds examined and in 15.6% of 480 soil samples. The number of eggs varied from 1 to 11. Eggs were observed in soil samples collected in February, March to June, August and November, with embryonated eggs appearing in June and August. Eggs of Toxascaris leonina and Taenia spp. and oocysts of Isospora spp. were also found in 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.2% of soil samples, respectively. Of 26 samples of dog faeces collected, 7.7% were contaminated with Toxocara spp. and 11.5% with Taenia spp. The presence of Toxocara eggs in the city playgrounds and dog populations suggests a potential human health hazard due to toxocariasis.     

Contamination of soils with eggs of Toxocara in a subtropical city in Argentina

A total of 475 soil samples were collected from five public park playgrounds, 17 kindergarten sandpits and 124 housing estates in Resistencia, a medium-sized subtropical-region city in Argentina, and processed by the centrifugal flotation method. Eggs of Toxocara spp. were present in five (3.4%) of the 146 habitats surveyed and in six (1.3%) of the 475 samples examined. Twenty per cent of public parks, 5.9% of kindergarten sandpits and 2.4% of housing estates were contaminated with Toxocara eggs. Depending on the number of samples examined from the three types of habitat, contamination by Toxocara was 0.7% in public park playgrounds, 1.2% in kindergarten sandpits and 1.6% in the housing estates. High prevalences of Ancylostomidae eggs were also found especially in public park playgrounds with a value of 100%, compared with 19.4% found in housing estates and 11.8% in kindergarten samples. These results suggest that in Resistencia, human infections with Toxocara are likely to occur within the limits of housing estates more so than in public parks or open spaces.     

Soil contamination with Toxocara sp. eggs in squares and public places from the city of La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina

This study consisted of a stratified sampling, randomly taken, of the soil from the squares and parks of the city of La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, in order to establish the prevalence of contamination caused by Toxocara sp. A total 242 soil samples was examined. From each sample a 10 grams aliquot was taken, washed in a 0.2% Tween 80 solution, and processed using the technique of concentration by flotation with sugar solution. There was a prevalence of 13.2%. In each positive sample, the quantity of eggs varied from 1 to 4. Toxocara sp. eggs were observed in 15 out of 22 squares and parks investigated. The sampling design and the processing method employed were satisfactory for the recovering and identification of Toxocara sp. eggs.     

Eggs of Toxocara spp. in the environment and their public health implications

The high prevalence of Toxocara in cats, dogs and foxes results in the contamination of soil with infective eggs of Toxocara spp. which are found in soil samples from public and private places worldwide. In Poland the most contaminated areas were city backyards where 38-53% of soil samples were positive, especially in the spring. Human exposure to infection with Toxocara spp. was proportional to the prevalence of eggs in the samples examined but soil texture was not a critical factor in the degree of soil contamination. Eggs of Toxocara spp. placed on the ground penetrated a sand soil profile slowly. Their presence in the superficial layer of soils and the role of earthworms are instrumental in the dissemination of Toxocara eggs.     

Helminth infections in faecal samples of wolves Canis lupus L. from the western Beskidy Mountains in southern Poland

Eighty-nine samples of grey wolf (Canis lupus L.) faeces were collected between 2002 and 2004 from two areas in the western Beskidy Mts (south Poland). Helminth eggs were observed in 56.2% of faeces examined. These included: Alaria alata (2.2%), taeniid eggs (11.2%), Toxocara canis (5.6%), Toxascaris leonina (1.1%), Eucoleus aerophilus (14.6%), Ancylostoma caninum (12.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (37%) and unidentified roundworm eggs of the family Strongyloididae (1.1%). Eucoleus aerophilus is recorded for the first time from Poland. The results are compared with the helminth fauna of other wolf populations in Europe.     

Epidemiology of intestinal helminth parasites of dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria

An epidemiological study of gastrointestinal helminths of dogs (Canis familiaris) in two veterinary clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria, was conducted between January 2001 and December 2002. Faecal samples collected from 959 dogs were processed by modified Kato-Katz technique and then examined for helminth eggs. The results of the study showed that 237 (24.7%) of the dogs examined were infected with different types of helminths. The prevalences for the various helminth eggs observed were: Toxocara canis 9.0%, Ancylostoma spp. 17.9%, Toxascaris leonina 0.6%, Trichuris vulpis 0.5%, Uncinaria stenocephala 0.4% and Dipylidium caninum 0.2%. The faecal egg intensities, determined as mean egg count/gram of faeces ( +/- SEM), were: T. canis 462.0 +/- 100.5, Ancylostoma spp. 54.1 +/- 8.6, T. leonina 0.8 +/- 0.4, T. vulpis 0.1 +/- 0.0, U. stenocephala 1.0 +/- 0.7 and D. caninum 0.2 +/- 0.1. Host age was found to be a significant factor with respect to the prevalence and intensity of T. canis and Ancylostoma spp. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites between male (27.0%) and female (22.5%) dogs (P>0.05). The prevalence of helminth parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the local breed (African shepherd) (41.2%) than in Alsatian dogs (16.2%) or in other exotic breeds (21.0%). Single parasite infections (85.7%) were more common than mixed infections (3.5%).     

Parasite contamination from feces of dogs and cats in soil and sand-boxes in public parks and schools in Bologna

In Bologna (Italy), about 1/10 (public parks) and 1/5 (schools of soil samples from sand-boxes and 1/5 (public parks) and 1/10 (schools) op soil samples from the surroundings were found positive for dog and/or cat parasites. The finding of Toxocara sp. eggs in about 1/20 of soil samples from public parks and schools is especially important due to the possibility of human infection. Conspicuous was also the parasitic contamination of the faeces collected from green arcas: 48% of the samples resulted positive.     

A survey study on gastrointestinal parasites of stray cats in northern region of Nile delta, Egypt

A survey study on gastrointestinal parasites in 113 faecal samples from stray cats collected randomly from Kafrelsheikh province, northern region of Nile delta of Egypt; was conducted in the period between January and May 2010. The overall prevalence was 91%. The results of this study reported seven helminth species: Toxocara cati (9%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (4%), Toxascaris leonina (5%), Dipylidium caninum (5%), Capillaria spp. (3%), Taenia taeniformis (22%) and Heterophyes heterophyes (3%), four protozoal species: Toxoplasma gondii (9%), Sarcocyst spp. (1%), Isospora spp. (2%) and Giardia spp. (2%) and two arthropod species; Linguatula serrata (2%) and mites eggs (13%). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites may continue to rise due to lack of functional veterinary clinics for cat care in Egypt. Therefore, there is a need to plan adequate control programs to diagnose, treat and control gastrointestinal parasites of companion as well as stray cats in the region.     

Prevalence of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina and Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Chuncheon, Korea (2004)

The intestines and hearts of dogs were examined for Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, and Dirofilaria immitis, after necropsy between June 26 and September 29, 2004 in Chuncheon, Korea. Of the 662 dogs examined, 6 were infected with T. canis (0.9%), 86 with T. leonina (13.0%). Fifty dogs were infected with D. immitis among 500 dogs examined (10.0%). Five were co-infected with T. canis and T. leonina, and three were co-infected with T. leonina and D. immitis. The cumulative positive infection rate for three species was 134/662 (20.2%). Considering previously reported seropositive rates of T. canis excretory-secretory antigen, i.e., 5% in the adult population in Korea, the possibility of toxocariasis caused by T. leonina should be reevaluated.     

Coprology of Panthera tigris altaica and Felis bengalensis euptilurus from the Russian Far East

Fecal samples from the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) and the Amur cat (Felis bengalensis euptilurus) from Far Eastern Russia, were examined for parasites. A natural sedimentation methodology was used and a complete examination of all the sediment was performed. This fecal investigation allowed us to isolate and identify several developmental stages of gastrointestinal, hepatic, and respiratory parasites. Five parasites were found from P. t. altaica: 11 trematodes (Platynosomum fastosum) and 4 nematodes (Strongyloides sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina, and Toxocara cati). Five parasites were found from F. b. euptilurus: 1 cestode (Diplopylidium sp.) and 4 nematodes (Trichuris sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina, and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). In addition, trophozoites of the amoeba Acanthamoeba sp. were detected in tiger feces.     

Intestinal nematode infections in Turkish military dogs with special reference to Toxocara canis

The prevalence and potential zoonotic risk factors of intestinal nematodes of military working dogs, which are used for different military purposes, were assessed. Faecal samples from 352 defined-breed Turkish military dogs were investigated and 107 (30.4%) dogs were found to be infected with one or two nematode species. The following nematodes, with their respective prevalences, were diagnosed in the faecal samples: Toxascaris leonina (21.8%), Toxocara canis (13.3%), Trichuris vulpis (2.9%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (1.2%). Toxocara canis infections were more frequently seen in puppies (0-6 months old). The prevalence of T. canis was significantly higher in male than in female dogs and also higher in dogs which were exercised daily than in those without exercise. The highest prevalence was found in Belgian malinois breed dogs. Toxocara canis infections were not influenced by the floor type of the kennels (i.e. concrete or soil floor). There was no difference in the occurrence of T. canis infection when the last anthelmintic treatment was carried out less or more than 3 months prior to sampling. It is suggested that T. canis infected military dogs would be a threat not only for dog trainers but also for military personnel, notably during national and international operations.     

The prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

A study of gastrointestinal parasites in 269 faecal samples from dogs (Canis familiaris) collected from Ile-Ife, Nigeria between January and December 2004, revealed seven helminth species: Toxocara canis 33.8%, Ancylostoma sp. 34.6%, Toxascaris leonina 3.3%, Trichuris vulpis 3.7%, Dipylidium caninum 4.1%, Uncinaria stenocephala 0.7% and Taenia sp. 1.1%. The faecal egg intensities, determined as mean eggs per gram of faeces ( +/- SEM) were: T. canis 393.8 +/- 83.4, Ancylostoma sp. 101.5 +/- 32.8, T. leonina 14.3 +/- 7.9, T. vulpis 3.4 +/- 1.5, D. caninum 2.2 +/- 0.8, U. stenocephala 0.2 +/- 0.2. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in dogs of age 0-6 months than in older age groups. There was no significance difference in overall prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites between male (58.3%) and female (50.0%) dogs (P>0.05). The prevalence of helminth parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in free-ranging than in kennelled dogs. The prevalence of helminth parasites was also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in African shepherds than in Alsatians and other exotic breeds. Each helminth parasite had similar prevalences and intensities among both genders (P>0.05) except in T. vulpis. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites may continue to rise due to lack of functional veterinary clinics for dog care in Ile-Ife. Therefore, there is the need to establish a veterinary facility in Ile-Ife.     

Environmental contamination with Toxocara sp. eggs in public squares and parks from Santiago, Chile, 1999

Most of cases of visceral larva migrans syndrome are caused by Toxocara canis larvae. Man acquires the infection by accidental ingestion of ripe eggs of the helminth. In order to find out the frequency of the presence of Toxocara sp. eggs in dog fecal specimens from public places of Santiago city in 1999 july-september a study was carried out in 84 squares and 12 parks from 32 counties. Three fecal samples were collected in each of these places, making a total of 288. Each sample was processed according to a modified Telemann method and three smears of each were microscopically examined. Toxocara sp. eggs were found in 39 (13.5%) fecal specimens. In 28/84 (33.3%) squares and in 8/12 (66.7%) parks these eggs were detected. These results make necessary the control of dogs and cats populations with the aim of reduce the presence of animals without responsible owners. It should be advisable to prevent dogs and cats defecation in public areas grounds, trying to exclude these animals from recreation areas.     

Modification of gDNA extraction from soil for PCR designed for the routine examination of soil samples contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs

A modification of gDNA extraction was developed for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, intended for the detection and differentiation of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil or sediments. Sand samples from sandpits confirmed as being contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs by the flotation technique were analysed by PCR. The use of proteinase K made it possible to obtain genomic DNA from the sample without needing to isolate eggs using flotation or to inactivate PCR inhibitors present in the sand. Specific primers in the PCR reaction allowed discrimination between T. canis and T. cati eggs. The modification simplified the procedure, thanks to eliminating the step of gDNA isolation from eggs, which is both laborious and difficult.     

Gastrointestinal parasitic fauna of cats in the cities of Bologna, Florence and Milan

The results of a parasitological survey carried out on 116 cats found dead in Bologna, Firenze and Milano was reported. The parasites identified were: Toxocara cati (49.1%); Toxascaris leonina (3.4%); Ancylostoma tubaeforme (9.5%); Ollulanus tricuspis (3.4%); Dipylidium caninum (41.4%); Taenia taeniaeformis (11.2%); Mesocestoides lineatus (1.7%); Spirometra sp. (0.9%); Coccidia (12.9%). The autopsies' results were compared with coprological ones in order to assess their reliability.     

Nematophagous fungi of Toxocara canis eggs in a public park of La Plata, Argentina

Fungi have showed a great potential for the biological control of nematodes. However, they have not been evaluated for the control of animal and/or human parasites transmitted by egg contaminated soils. Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs is a public health problem. Accidental swallowing of Toxocara canis eggs (a nematode of dogs) usually results on a zoonotic infection (toxocarosis). The objectives of this research were: 1) To test the presence of antagonistic fungi against T. canis in the soil in public places of La Plata city, Argentina, infected with eggs of this parasite, 2) To determine the possible association between biotic and abiotic factors of the soil with the presence of fungal parasites of egg nematodes. Soil samples were tested for: textural type, organic matter (%), pH, presence of egg-parasite fungi, of larvae and of nematode eggs, in particular of Toxocara spp. The studied area showed the following characteristics: pH: 6.6-8.0, organic matter: 1.2-70%, with a predominantly loam texture. The following antagonistic fungal genera were identified: Acremonium, Aspergillus, Chrysosporium, Fusarium, Humicola, Mortierella, Paecilomyces and Penicillium. A prevalence of 70% was detected for nematode eggs, of 33% for Toxocara spp. eggs and of 90% for larvae. No association between the presence of egg-parasite fungi and the considered factors was found. More studies are necessary to know the natural antagonism factors to T. canis eggs for its in situ biological control.     

A coprological survey of parasites of wild neotropical felidae

In conjunction with an ecological study of jaguars in the Cockscomb Basin of Belize, Central America, fecal samples from jaguars (Panthera onca), jaguarundis (Felis yagouaroundi), ocelots (Felix pardalis), and pumas (Felix concolor) were examined for parasite products (eggs, larvae, and oocysts). Of the 45 samples examined, 39 (86.7%) were positive for parasite products, 23 of 25 (92%) jaguar samples were positive, as were all of the puma (4/4) and ocelot (8/8) samples. Four of 6 samples from unknown species were positive (66.7%). Two jaguarundis samples were negative. The following were identified in the samples: Paragonimus sp. eggs, Taeniidae eggs, Strongylate eggs, Toxocara cati eggs, Toxascaris sp. eggs, Capillaria sp. eggs, Spiruridae eggs, Aelurostrongylus sp. larvae, Oncicola sp. eggs, Hammondia pardalis oocysts, Isospora sp. oocysts, Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts and Sarcocystis sp. sporocyst.     

Cross-reactions of sera from Toxocara canis-infected mice with Toxascaris leonina and Ascaris suum antigens.

The ELISA method using larval excretory-secretory (E/S) products and homogenized Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina and Ascaris suum adult worm extract were used to determine possible cross-reactions in BALB/c and C57BL/10 mice, inoculated with embryonated eggs or adult worm extract of T. canis in single and multiple doses. When we used sera of mice infected with embryonated eggs of T. canis against different heterologous antigens, we observed no cross-reactions in BALB/c mice against A. suum E/S and adult worm extract antigens with a single dose. In multiple doses this was absent too against T. leonina adult worm extract in BALB/c mice, and in both strains against A. suum E/S and adult worm extract. In BALB/c mice inoculated with adult worm extract of T. canis we did not observe cross-reactions with A. suum E/S antigen with both inoculation doses. In the remainder of the experiments, we observed cross-reactions of different intensities.     

Prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in some public grounds and highway rest areas in Kansas.

Out of a total of 282 soil samples obtained from public areas, 58 samples contained Toxocara spp. eggs. This gave an overall prevalence of 20.6%. Highway rest areas were contaminated and childrens sand boxes had the highest percentage of recovery of all.     

Epidemiology of Toxascaris leonina infection post-weaning within a colony of dogs

This communication reports incidental observations on Toxascaris leonina infections in a beagle breeding colony. Regular faecal monitoring demonstrated that T. leonina was endemic in the adult dam population within this colony. Small numbers of T. leonina eggs were also detected in the faeces of weaned pups from eight weeks of age possibly produced by a patent infection. This would mean a pre-patent period for T. leonina of 56 days or less. Worm counts on 10 pups showed that 60% of pups had acquired a T. leonina infection by 12 weeks of age. Since prenatal and lactogenic transmission do not occur and as the pups were kept in an environment which reduced chances of infection with T. leonina and there was no apparent source of paratenic hosts, the source of infection must have been embryonated T. leonina eggs from the whelping environment. These observations on T. leonina demonstrate that, if pups are exposed to an infected environment, patent infections may be seen in a younger age group than is normally associated with T. leonina infections.