SURVEY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION BY ZOONOTIC GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN PUBLIC PARKS OF PALMAS, TOCANTINS

Abstract

Dogs are frequently affected by endo- and ectoparasites, which may compromise public health due to their
zoonotic potential, causing cutaneous and visceral larva migrans in humans. The aim of the present study was
to conduct a survey of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs attending public squares in different regions of Palmas,
Tocantins, and to map the level of environmental contamination across these areas. Fecal samples were
collected from public squares/areas in the North and South districts and Taquaralto region and submitted to
coprological examination. Laboratory analyses were carried out at the veterinary clinic laboratory of the
Catholic University Center of Tocantins. A total of 72 canine fecal samples were collected, of which 48.6%
tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Among the positive cases, the Taquaralto region had the highest
prevalence at 43%, followed by the South region with 40%, and the North region with 17%. The most
frequently identified parasite was Ancylostoma, followed by Toxocara canis, Giardia sp. cysts, and
Cystoisospora sp. oocysts. Despite the variations in positivity rates among the regions, the distribution of parasitic infections showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). It can therefore be concluded that
there is a high prevalence of parasitic agents in the feces of dogs analyzed in the three regions, representing a
notable risk to public health, with the human population being exposed mainly to acquiring cutaneous and
visceral larva migrans.