Molecular Determination of spp. Eggs Isolated from Public Parks and Playgrounds in Zahedan, Southeast Iran.

BACKGROUND

Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe complications depending on the organs invaded by migrating larvae.

AIM

This study is aimed at eliciting the prevalence of spp. eggs in public parks in Zahedan, southeast Iran, and providing new insight into the soil contamination rate in this area using microscopic and molecular methods.

METHODS

Based on five municipal districts, 240 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan. The modified Sheather's flotation technique was employed to isolate spp. eggs from the soil, followed by microscopic assessment and molecular evaluation of internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (ITS1 and 2 rDNA) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) to identify the presence of spp. eggs. The Sanger sequence was used to differentiate the species. Subsequently, all the sequenced data were blasted and compared with other sequences available in the GenBank.

RESULTS

Out of 240 soil samples collected, 7 (2.9%) samples were identified to contain spp. eggs using Sheather's flotation and microscopic techniques. Meanwhile, 19 (7.9%) samples were positive using nested PCR. According to the Sanger sequencing analysis findings, all positive samples were contaminated with .

CONCLUSION

As evidenced by the obtained results, only species were detected in public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan; therefore, control and prevention programs against this species should be considered in human and animal communities.