Dados do Trabalho

Título

Health vulnerability and soil contamination by Toxocara spp eggs in the urban area of Feira de Santana, BA

Introdução

Toxocariasis is a neglected zoonotic disease, and the soil in public squares and parks can represent an important source of infection for humans

Objetivo (s)

In this study, we collected soil and fecal samples in squares within the urban area of the municipality with the aim of detecting the presence of Toxocara, evaluating the spatial distribution, and identifying associated risk factors.

Material e Métodos

Out of the 123 squares registered in the Municipal Department of Public Services, 77 were randomly selected for soil sample collection in 69. Soil examination using centrifugal-flotation in zinc sulfate resulted in 30 squares testing positive for Toxocara spp, with mostly infertile eggs being found. Geochemical analyses were performed on the soil samples, determining the concentration of metals using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and modular Goetz spectrometry, as well as pH and moisture determination. Satellite images were evaluated for calculating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). Square characteristics were recorded and associated with Toxocara soil contamination. The Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) was calculated for census tracts using data from the 2010 Census.

Resultados e Conclusão

o correlations or differences were found between the geochemical variables and the presence of Toxocara spp in the soil. However, for epidemiological variables, there was a tendency to find positive soil samples in squares where the presence of canine feces was reported. Local cluster analysis resulted in two clusters of squares with fecal presence, and kernel density analysis, whether for fecal presence or parasite contamination, followed the cluster patterns. High and very high HVIs were associated with positivity in six squares (8.70%), with one square showing a spatial cluster between egg counts and HVIs. However, there was no clear characterization of the relationship between health vulnerability indices and square contamination.

Palavras-chave

geohelminthiases; health vulnerability index.