Detection of Toxocara spp. Eggs in the Soil of Public Places in and Around of Ardabil City, Northwestern Iran

Human toxocariasis is contained in the list of neglected diseases. The infection occurs after ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated soil. The present study was carried out to estimate the extent of soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in the public places.
Soil samples were collected randomly from 41 public places in various parts in and around of Ardabil, Iran, between March 2013 and March 2014. Data were examined by microscopy following sodium nitrate flotation.
Of the 200 collected soil samples, 35 (17.5%) were positive for soil parasites. The eggs of Toxocara spp. were found in 14 (7%) soil samples.
This investigation gives baseline knowledge regarding soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in Ardabil city and provides information for local control of toxocariasis.