Prevalence of Toxocara Eggs in Childrens's Playgrounds around Jos and Bukuru Metropolis

Abstract

A total of 91 soil and 29 dog faecal samples were obtained between the months of July and August 2002 from four areas: the University of Jos senior staff quarters, Kabong, Odus, and ECW A veterinary clinic Bukuru and analyzed for Toxocara eggs using Zinc Sulphate floatation technique. Of the 91 soil samples analyzed , none was positive, while 1(3.45%) of the 29 faecal samples analzyed had Toxocara canis. However, there was a high prevalence 11(37.93%) of Ancylostoma caninum in the faecal specimens examined. Also, 1(1.10%) of the soil specimens contained the eggs of Faciola spp. The high prevalence of A caninum in dogs emphasizes the risk for transmission to humans, especially children. It also suggests that, there is a low level of awareness on zoonotic transmission of diseases and the need for the elimination of parasites from pet animals.