Prevalence of Coccidians and Helminthes Ova in Soil Samples from Public Places in Isfahan City, Iran, 2016

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 MSc Student, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Soil contamination with parasites is a serious risk for parasitic infections in humans and animals. Because of the importance of soil, as an important source for transmission of parasites to humans and animals, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of various forms of parasite oocytes and helminthes ova.Methods: A total of 150 soil samples were collected from 150 sites in public places of Isfahan City, Iran, in 2016. Isolation of parasites from the soil was performed by saturated solution of sodium nitrate. Then, the samples were observed under microscope and positive isolates to sporulation and better recognize, were poured in 3% potassium dichromate. All the isolates were studied for further investigations with acid-fast specific staining.Findings: from 150 samples, 84 were positive and the rest were free of any contamination. 33 samples had multiple simultaneous contaminations. 2 samples were positive for Toxoplasma gondii oocytes, 12 samples for Isospora sp. oocytes, 6 samples for Eimeria sp. oocytes, 10 samples for  Cryptosporidium sp. oocytes, 13 samples for Toxocara canis oocytes, 6 samples for Toxocara cati oocytes, 4 samples for Toxascaris leoninaoocytes, and 65 samples for larvae of soil nematodes.Conclusion: Soil is considered as an important potential source in transmission of parasitic infections. Environmental hygiene is required for prevention of soil pollution and control of soil-borne parasitic infections especially. According to our study, the prevalence of parasites in the soil is decreased.Background: Soil contamination with parasites is a serious risk for parasitic infections in humans and animals. Because of the importance of soil, as an important source for transmission of parasites to humans and animals, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of various forms of parasite oocytes and helminthes ova.Methods: A total of 150 soil samples were collected from 150 sites in public places of Isfahan City, Iran, in 2016. Isolation of parasites from the soil was performed by saturated solution of sodium nitrate. Then, the samples were observed under microscope and positive isolates to sporulation and better recognize, were poured in 3% potassium dichromate. All the isolates were studied for further investigations with acid-fast specific staining.Findings: from 150 samples, 84 were positive and the rest were free of any contamination. 33 samples had multiple simultaneous contaminations. 2 samples were positive for Toxoplasma gondii oocytes, 12 samples for Isospora sp. oocytes, 6 samples for Eimeria sp. oocytes, 10 samples for  Cryptosporidium sp. oocytes, 13 samples for Toxocara canis oocytes, 6 samples for Toxocara cati oocytes, 4 samples for Toxascaris leonina oocytes, and 65 samples for larvae of soil nematodes.Conclusion: Soil is considered as an important potential source in transmission of parasitic infections. Environmental hygiene is required for prevention of soil pollution and control of soil-borne parasitic infections especially. According to our study, the prevalence of parasites in the soil is decreased.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 35, Issue 431 - Serial Number 431
March and April 2017
Pages 577-582

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 February 2017
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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