Prevalence of helminth ova in soil samples from public places in Shiraz

To determine the prevalence of helminth eggs in public places and children's playgrounds, 112 soil samples were collected in 26 sites in Shiraz, southern Islamic Republic of Iran, during September 2002- September 2003. Toxocara cati ova were found in 7 [6.3%] samples, 2 had Ascaris ova, 3 had larvae morphologically similar to Strongyloides stercoralis. Coccidia oocysts were also observed in 4 samples. No contamination was observed during the dry season