Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) contamination in De La Salle University grounds

• Main Authors: Pimentel, Marc Carlos Aying, Carandang, Mia Lourdes Angelica P., Dela Rosa, Ma. Gracles S., Go, Justine Winna, Viyar, Aliyah Gynelle A.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Helminths > Philippines; Soil pollution > Philippines; De La Salle University (Philippines); Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_bio/64
• Institution: De La Salle University

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases posing a significant public health concern in the Philippines. This condition is attributed to various parasites, with the most common being Ascaris spp. and Toxocara spp. The Philippines is one of the countries severely affected by STH infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasites within student-dense locations at De La Salle University, to identify the parasites found in the soil samples, and to describe soil temperature and pH level in the occurrence of such parasites. The forty-five soil samples collected from various locations on campus were subjected to the Modified Sucrose Flotation Technique. Parasites were then observed through microscopy and identified up to the genus level. The overall prevalence was recorded at 26.67% with the Faculty Center Garden having the highest prevalence of 60.0%, resulting in nine out of fifteen positive samples. Among the parasites observed, Ascaris spp. was the most frequently observed parasite, accounting for nine positive samples out of forty-five total samples, whereas Toxocara spp. was observed in four positive samples out of forty-five total samples. The prevalence of the parasites found within campus soil could be attributed to human fecal material contamination, defecation of the high population of cats, and environmental factors such as soil temperature and pH level. Interaction between cats and the DLSU community may also serve as a mode of transmission. The exposure to STH could put the overall health of the members of the community at risk. Hence, it is recommended to implement a program placing heavy emphasis on proper waste disposal of cat feces through litter boxes in strategic locations relative to cat territorial patterns within the campus. Furthermore, the expansion of soil sampling locations is also recommended, as well as the monthly monitoring of deworming schedules of cats and conducting regular fecal analysis. STH cases should be monitored to avert the possibility of STH contamination.