[Contamination by helminths in public places of the province of Chubut, Argentina].
Canine-borne helminthiases constitute a worldwide problem. Some of these parasites can originate serious pathologies in humans. Given the potential existence of these zoonoses in Argentina, horizontal surveys on contamination degree evaluated as faeces per hectare and on parasite prevalence in faeces were carried out in six localities of the Province of Chubut. The behaviour of people visiting public places was also analyzed qualitatively. All of the survey sites were contaminated with faeces and with some parasitic forms. Contamination degrees ranged from 32 to 147 faeces/ha. Toxocara sp. (17.4%), Strongyloides sp. (5.1%), and Ancylostoma. sp (5.6%) were the main genera among other parasites detected. As a whole, the analysis revealed that contamination degree, prevalence and human behaviour in relation to the exposure to the parasite would be the main factors to be taken into account in formulating control measures. Transmission risk patterns in Chubut were not homogeneous; therefore, studies and control strategies should be devised and implemented at the local scale.
Zunino
M G
MG
Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires.
De Francesco
M V
MV
Kuruc
J A
JA
Schweigmann
N
N
Wisnivesky-Colli
M C
MC
Jensen
O
O
D000818:Animals; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D004285:Dogs; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D006374:Helminthiasis, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006376:Helminths / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D011633:Public Facilities; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology; D014504:Urban Health
D012987:Soil