[Distribution of sources of Toxocara spp. infection in urban and rural environments in Poland].

Soil examinations made in 5 regions of Poland in the 1990s comprised 1184 samples taken from urban areas and 590 samples from suburban and rural areas. Toxocara spp. eggs were found more often in urban areas (14% positive samples) than in suburban and rural once (12% positive samples). The average ratio of positive samples was: in the streets and roads--19.3% (0.36 eggs/100g of soil), near houses (backyards, gardens)--18.6% (1.11 eggs/100g), in sandpits--13.0% (0.23/100g), in parks and public gardens--10.5% (0.46 eggs/100g), on playgrounds and playing fields 9,4% (0,06 eggs/100g) and on the beaches--3.4% (0.03 eggs/100g). In children habitual play areas the prevalence of T. cati eggs was higher than T. canis eggs.