Investigation of Soil Contamination with Toxocara Eggs in Public Parks of Semnan Province

Abstract

Background: Toxocara canis and T. cati are two parasitic nematodes of the genus Toxocara, whose definitive hosts are dogs and cats, respectively. These parasites can cause toxocariasis in humans. The main route of human infection is through contact with or ingestion of embryonated eggs of Toxocara species present in the environment. Soil is considered an important source of transmission, and children, due to their underdeveloped hygiene habits and tendency to play in the soil, are at higher risk of infection. Therefore, assessing soil contamination in environments such as parks and playgrounds is of particular importance.