Presence of Spp. and Other Zoonotic Parasites Ova in Children's Playground in Karaman, Turkey

Objective: Human toxocariosis (HT) is a widespread and neglected parasitic disease around the world and it is caused by and , a common nematode found in dogs and cats. Childiren are caught to HT after ingestion of embriyonated spp. eggs via contaminated materials such as soil, hair and etc. The aim of this study is to investigate 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 spp. eggs were the most common species in total (19.4%, CI=12.6-27.8), taeniid ( spp., spp.) eggs and 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 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.