LAUSR

Objective Human toxocariosis (HT) is a widespread and neglected parasitic disease around the world and it is caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, a common nematode found in dogs and cats. Childiren are caught to HT after ingestion of embriyonated Toxocara spp. eggs via contaminated materials such as soil, hair and etc. The aim of this study is to investigate Toxocara spp. and other zoonotic parasites in children’s playgrounds in Karaman province of Turkey. Methods In total, 103 samples (68 sand soil, 26 soil and 9 stool) from 20 randomly selected children's playgrounds in May 2018 in Karaman province, were investigated. Samples were examined by flotation in saturated NaCl solution and parasite ova were diagnosed under the light microscope morphologically. Results Of the 20 screened playgorunds, 11 [55%, confidence interval (CI=33.6-75.2)]and 27 analyzed sample (26.2%, CI=18.4-35.2) were positive one or more parasite species. While Toxocara spp. eggs were the most common species in total (19.4%, CI=12.6-27.8), taeniid (Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp.) eggs and Ancylostoma spp. eggs were found in seven (6.8%, CI=2.97-12.7) and one (0.97%, CI=0.05-4.21) samples respectively. Also, one soil sample was found to be contaminated with both Toxocara and taeniid eggs. Conclusion These results demonstrate that children’s playgrounds in Karaman may be a source for HT and other zoonotic infections. We advise to be fenced children’s playgrounds in order to prevent pet animal’s accessibility.