PREVALENCE OF TOXOCARA EGGS IN SANDPITS IN TOKUSHIMA-CITY AND ITS OUTSKIRTS

To demonstrate the prevalence of Toxocara eggs in sandpits in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, sand samples were examined. Of 46 sandpits surveyed, 29 sandpits (63.3%) had Toxocara eggs. Sandpits in public parks and playgrounds in residential areas were more contaminated (87.5%) with the eggs than those in kindergartens, schools, and children's centers (36.4%). To examine the seasonal change in the contamination, sand samples obtained from five sandpits were examined monthly from May 1990 to April 1991. Toxocara eggs were found in the majority of sandpits (3/5-5/5) in the spring, early summer, and autumn. In the summer and winter, the rates of sandpits contaminated were lower (2/5-3/5) than in other seasons. Egg counts became smaller in the summer and winter, especially in summer. The ratio of T. canis to T. cati eggs recovered was 2:3. Fecal examination of 144 puppies revealed that 98 (68.0%) were positive for T. canis eggs. These findings show that Toxocara eggs, a possible causative agent of visceral larva migrans, commonly present in sandpits of the urban area. To prevent the contamination of sandpits with these eggs, control measures are needed.