Geohelminths in the soil of the Laguna dos Patos in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Abstract This study aimed at examining the prevalence of eggs and larvae of parasites – that may cause diseases to humans and other animals – in the soil of public squares located on the shore of Laranjal beaches, in the Laguna dos Patos, in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Four fieldwork trips – one per season – were taken to collect samples on six squares built on the shore of these beaches. Five samples of soil were collected on every square on every fieldwork trip. The material was processed by Caldwell & Caldwell’s technique. Four squares (66.7%) were positive for helminth eggs and sample positivity was 8.3% (10). Toxocara spp. and Ancylostoma spp. were the main genera found in these places. Even though prevalence was lower than the one observed by other studies which were carried out in the area, helminths with zoonotic potential were found in the soil of the squares. It should be highlighted that measures to control dogs in these areas must be implemented and public policies must be put forth to make pets’ owners and beach goers aware of the need to mitigate environmental contamination.

摘要 本研究旨在调查巴西南里奥格兰德州佩洛塔斯市拉古纳多斯帕托斯湖区拉兰雅尔海滩沿岸公共广场土壤中，可能引发人类及其他动物疾病的寄生虫卵与幼虫的流行情况。研究按季度开展共四次野外采样，于上述海滩沿岸的6处公共广场采集土壤样本；每次野外采样中，每处广场均采集5份土壤样本。样本采用考德威尔-考德威尔（Caldwell & Caldwell）技术进行处理。结果显示，66.7%的采样广场（共4处）蠕虫卵检测呈阳性，整体样本阳性率为8.3%（共10份阳性样本）。本次检出的优势虫属为弓首线虫属（Toxocara spp.）与钩口线虫属（Ancylostoma spp.）。尽管本次调查的流行率低于该区域既往同类研究结果，但仍在公共广场的土壤中检出了具备人兽共患病潜力的蠕虫卵。需重点强调的是，应针对该区域实施犬只管控措施，并制定公共政策，以提升宠物饲养者与海滩游客对减轻环境污染必要性的认知。