Toxocara egg soil contamination in Los Baños, Laguna and seroprevalance of its infection among public school children

Date

2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Zoology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Vachel Gay V. Paller

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Abstract

The soil-transmitted nematode Toxocara sp. is one of the neglected parasites due to lack of epidemiological information. In this study, the extent of soil contamination of Toxocara eggs and seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among public school children in Los Baños, Laguna were determined. Soil samples from public schools, backyards, and empty lots in the five barangays of Los Baños were examined for the presence of Toxocara eggs through modified sucrose flotation technique; and serum samples from public school children in the three barangays of Los Baños were examined for Toxocara infection through ELISA test. From a total of 200 samples, 85 (43%) were found positive for Toxocara eggs with a level of contamination of 1 egg/g soil sample, wherein 42% of the public school samples, 45% of the backyard samples, and 40% of the empty lot samples were positive. Moreover, from a total of 75 children, 37 (49%) were found positive for Toxocara infection which was relatively high and alarming. There was also a positive correlation with the intensity of Toxocara eggs and seroprevalence of Toxocara infection. The results of this study provide baseline information on the soil prevalence of Toxocara eggs and seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among children in Los Baños, Laguna.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Document Type

Thesis

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