Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
دانشکده پزشکی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی گناباد
2
Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
3
Master of Biostatistics, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
4
Associate Professor of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
5
Student Research Committee, gonabad University of Medical Sciences, gonabad, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxocara parasite larvae found in the human body, with soil contamination rates ranging from 13.2% globally to 63.5-3.5% in Iran. Given the prevalence of stray dogs and the significance of understanding pathogenic parasites like Toxocara, a study was conducted in Gonabad city to determine the exact prevalence of these parasites in the soil of parks and saffron fields.
Materials and Methods: In a study conducted in Gonabad, 96 soil samples were collected from public parks and saffron fields, and examined for Toxocara eggs using a sucrose flotation method. The data collected was then analyzed using SPSS 26 software.
Results: The study compared soil samples from public parks and saffron farms, finding a higher percentage of contamination in the latter. Despite this, the chi-square test did not show a significant difference in pollution levels between the two locations. The study also revealed a discrepancy in contamination frequency between diagnostic methods, with the sucrose saturation method detecting contamination in 20% of samples. These results emphasize the potential risk of soil pollution in both parks and farms, underscoring the need for accurate diagnostic techniques to assess contamination levels effectively.
Conclusion: The results showed that the soil contamination of public parks and saffron fields in Gonabad city with Toxocara species eggs is high, so it increases the probability of Toxocaria infections in humans, and to reduce the risk of human infection, it is necessary to implement preventive programs by the authorities.
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