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Seasonal contamination of public squares and lawns by parasites with zoonotic potential in southern Brazil

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2008

R. Tiyo ,
T.A. Guedes ,
D.L.M. Falavigna  and
A.L. Falavigna-Guilherme
R. Tiyo
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Parasitology, Department of Clinical Analyses, State University of Maringá, Maringá87020-900, Brazil
T.A. Guedes
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Parasitology, Department of Clinical Analyses, State University of Maringá, Maringá87020-900, Brazil
D.L.M. Falavigna*
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Parasitology, Department of Clinical Analyses, State University of Maringá, Maringá87020-900, Brazil
A.L. Falavigna-Guilherme
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Parasitology, Department of Clinical Analyses, State University of Maringá, Maringá87020-900, Brazil
*
*Fax: +55 44 3261-4800 E-mail: falavigna@wnet.com.br
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Abstract

The presence of helminths and protozoans in public squares and lawns of the city of Maringá, southern Brazil, during winter and summer was assessed in order to evaluate their seasonal fluctuations in relation to edaphic and climatic factors. Samples were collected from January 2003 through June 2004 in 90% (13) of all public squares covered by sand, and in 30% (4) of all lawns used as leisure areas. The samples were analysed quantitatively by modified centrifugal-flotation and sedimentation in water techniques, and qualitatively by a method based on positive larval thermo-hydrotropism. Meteorological data were recorded, and physical, chemical and structural characteristics of the soil were analysed. One hundred and thirty samples of sand from squares, 65 in summer and 65 in winter, and 40 samples of grass from lawns, 20 in each season, were collected. All samples from lawns, 62 (95.38%) from squares in winter and 45 (69.23%) in summer, contained protozoans and/or helminths. Eggs of Toxocara spp. were the most frequently observed parasites in both winter and summer in squares (P < 0.0001) and in lawns (P = 0.6142), being equally distributed among the different locations (P = 0.2038). Species diversity was lower in winter; fewer parasites were found in summer. This region, with a tropical climate and a mild winter dry season, has favourable edaphic and climatic conditions for soil contaminants to persist year-round. In addition, the high frequency of animals such as dogs and cats and the poor sanitary measures in force made it possible for zoonoses to be transmitted in the public spaces.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 82 , Issue 1 , March 2008 , pp. 1 - 6
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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