Assessment of Risk Factors for Possible Toxocariasis Invasion in Lugansk Region Population

Abstract

Toxocariasis — parasitosis-zoonosis which is widespread among animals and humans. The objective of study was to investigate factors that determine the possibility of toxocariasis invasion in population of Lugansk region. In the work we used information and statistical materials, data of state branch statistical forms, we analyzed the results of sanitary helminthological soil study for 2007–2011. Sanitary helminthological soil study were made using the N.A. Romanenko method. The study of various soil types demonstrates high degree of contamination by Toxocara canis eggs: highest contamination was detected in loamy (39–102 eggs per 1 kg of soil) and loam soil (53–64 eggs per 1 kg of soil). Black (39–40 eggs per 1 kg of soil) and sandy soil (17–39 eggs per 1 kg of soil) were less contaminated. Our observations relate to literature data: the most favorable for Toxocara canis eggs are loamy and clay soils, to a lesser extent — black soils, unfavorable for development are sandy soils. The study shows a high degree of possibility of toxocariasis invasion in population of Lugansk region. The findings once again confirm the need for creating national program for parasitosis-zoonosis prevention in Ukraine.

Keywords

• toxocariasis
• helminthiasis
• sanitary helminthological soil monitoring