Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Keywords

Toxocara spp., soil-transmitted helminths, soil, sucrose flotation method

Abstract

According to the CDC (2019), toxocariasis, an infection affecting various organs caused by Toxocara spp., is transmitted through accidental ingestion of soil contaminated with dog or cat feces. Despite the common presence of stray animals in the Philippines, research on Toxocara spp. prevalence is limited, as noted by Abadilla and Paller (2022). This study is conducted in four randomly selected public parks in Dasmariñas, Cavite, to determine the prevalence of Toxocara spp. among soil transmitted helminths from soil samples among different public parks in Dasmariñas, Cavite. A total of 120 samples, thirty from each park, underwent processing using a modified sucrose floatation technique involving 0.5% Tween-80. Nineteen samples turned positive for the presence of any STH. Toxocara spp. was the most prevalent among all observed STH ova (56.82%), followed by Ascarisspp. (38.63%), then hookworm (4.55%). Location C (San Marino) was the most prevalent for Toxocara spp among the four locations. (60%), and obtained the highest parasite density at 5 ova/g. No count for Trichuris spp. ova and a limited ova prevalence for hookworm were observed among all locations as the latter were only present on samples with a high density of both Toxocara and Ascaris spp. Therefore, the study encourages better awareness for Toxocariasis, included among Neglected-Tropical Diseases (NTDs), continued deworming campaigns of dogs and cats, and improved public sanitation.

First Advisor

Maria Kristina E. Ogot

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