Skażenie gleby jajami helmintów na placach zabaw Lęborka

Introduction. Helminth eggs are usually common in the soil of playgrounds, visited not only by children, but also by dogs and cats. Their feaces are the main source of pathogens dangerous for humans. The aim of this study was to examine which species of helmiths occur in the playgrounds of the Lębork town, as well to determine the level of infection of domestic animals living in the regions under study. Materials and methods. Samples of sand were taken from a surface of sandpits (up to the depth of about 3 cm) and from the depth of about 20 cm, as well as from adjanced areas. All samples were collected in amount of 100 g. Animal feaces were collected from various places of playgrounds. Two methods were apllied: flotation and decantation by Fulleborn−Willis in modification by Wójcik. Results. Helminth eggs were found in 14% of sand samples and in 42% of faeces. As much as seven helminth species were determined. The most common were the eggs of Toxocara spp. (28% in sand and 32% in faeces). In our studies we have not found any dependence between the places of sample collecting and the degree of soil contamination. On the other hand we have noticed the greater number of helmint eggs in spring and summer months than in remaining seasons of the year.