HIGH PREVALENCE OF PARASITES WITH ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL IN SOILS OF PUBLIC SQUARES AND PARKS IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF RECIFE-PE, BRAZIL

Soil-transmitted helminth infections are the most widespread neglected tropical diseases in the world. The soil of public areas such as squares and parks represents a transmission risk for humans and other animals. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of soil-isolated parasites in squares and public parks in the city of Recife, Pernambuco - Brazil. Soil samples were collected from six squares or parks located in the metropolitan region of the municipality. The material analysis was performed using the Rugai technique adapted for soil, allowing the identification of evolutionary stages of parasites through optical microscopy and taxonomic classification. All soil samples collected showed contamination by at least two genera of parasites, with up to six different parasites highlighted in Parques Dona Lindu, 13 de Maio, and Praça do Derby. Larvae of Ancylostoma sp and Strongyloides sp. were found in all collection sites, with a frequency of 100% in Parques Dona Lindu and Lagoa do Araçá, and 90% in Parque 13 de Maio. In Parque da Jaqueira, only larvae in the evolutionary stage of Ancylostoma sp. were identified, with a frequency of 50%, and of Strongyloides sp., with 70%. Eggs of A. lumbricoides were detected only in the soil of Praça do Derby, with a frequency of 10%. The data obtained from the studied sites showed high soil contamination by geohelminths, highlighting their relevance for both public health and veterinary and human medicine.