[Zoonotic parasitosis transmitted by dogs in the Chaco Salteño, Argentina].

Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma spp. are geohelmints that parasites dogs and can eventually affect humans, mainly children, causing visceral and cutaneous larva migrans respectively, constituting a serious public health problem. This study was carried out in two towns located in the xerophilous forest Chaco salteño where humans live closely with many animals, including dogs. Hematological values and anti-Toxocara canis antibodies, determined by ELISA in serum, were evaluated in 98 children from this area. Thirty-six children presented with eosinophilia of 10% or higher in peripheral blood. Twenty out of 98 (20.4%) children had antibodies against antigen from L2 larvae of Toxocara canis. A high percentage (55.6%) of the children with eosinophilia presented anti-Toxocara canis antibodies. Nine children had multiple serpiginous lesions typical of cutaneous larva migrans. Feces from dogs were collected in the area where children lived, in order to search for parasite contamination. Three different techniques of stool examination were employed and eggs were counted. Out of the 106 feces examined, parasites were found in 82 samples (77.4%). Ancylostoma spp eggs were found in 74 (69.8%) samples and eggs from Toxocara canis were found in 19 (17.2%). The average number of T. canis and Ancylostoma spp eggs/gr of feces, were 200 and 3,871 respectively. Giardia spp (14.5%), Trichuris vulpis (7.6%), Genus Endamoeba (2.8%) and Taenia spp (1.9%) were also identified in the stools. Sanitary control and health education in order to control these parasitoses are emphasized.