Presence and Viability of Toxocara Spp in Soils of Public Parks, Gardens of Houses and Feces from Dogs in Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico

With the objective to identify the presence and viability of Toxocara spp., eggs in parks of Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico, soil samples from public parks and home gardens, and feces from dogs with owner were collected in streets publish near the parks, and analyzed by flotation sedimentation techniques to identify the egg presence, the positive samples were incubated to evaluate the infestation potential. Toxocara contamination in the soils of the parks was low (30.3%), but the viability of eggs was high (72.6%), while dogs had a 39.8% infestation being viable 97.0% of the eggs. Contamination was low in streets (28.1%) and home gardens (19.6%), but the viability was high (79.9 and 83.6%, respectively). Regression analyses indicated that the main factor affecting pollution in parks (Y = 1.56 + 3.70 X, R-2 = 0.75; P <0.04) and viability (Y = 35.92 + 4.79 X; R-2 = 0.78 P <0.04) is the number of eggs in dogs. The results indicates that the principal means to reduce pollution and to reduce the risk of transmission to humans can be achieved by controlling the parasite in dogs along with other hygienic measures in the children who plays in parks and gardens.