[Parasite contamination of parks and gardens as a public health problem. Data of the island of Tenerife].

Background: A study was undertaken to determine the existing contamination of the parks and gardens of Tenerife, by ways of parasitic dispersal, owing to the fact that it might be an epidemiological factor important in the passing on of some zoonosis.

Methods: Several soil samples were analysed from each of the 54 play group areas chosen, according to the population density in different parts of the island. In the search for parasitic forms, a variation of the methodology recommended by the OMS was put into effect. At the same time, a survey was carried out with the aim of observing how well the legislation in force was known and applied.

Results: 85.2% of the parks undergoing investigation were found to be contaminated by one or more helminths and/or protozoa.

Conclusions: The predominating helminth was Toxocara sp. present in 37% of the parks investigated, followed by Toxascaris sp. at 18.5%. The survey undertaken concluded that there is an almost total lack of knowledge and non-fulfillment of the legislation in force.