The influence of temperature on the development and survival of Toxocara canis larvae was investigated under laboratory conditions, in water at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C and at room temperature 22°C ± 1°C. T. canis eggs were able to develop to the larvated stage at all the tested temperatures. Development rate increased with temperature. Linear regression of development rate against temperature predicted a lower development threshold of 11.8°C. Eggs survived cooling to 1 and -2°C for 6 weeks, and could develop to the infective, larvated stage when transferred to higher temperatures, but their development rates were then retarded compared with non-chilled eggs. Larvated eggs remained viable after 7 weeks of incubation across the tested temperature range, with the highest percentage viability (47%) obtained at 25°C. Development of eggs to the infective larval stage required, on average, 121 degree days between 20°C and 30°C. Results provide a basis for predicting variation in the infectivity of eggs in the environment over time in different climates.

No abstract

No abstract

Fresh salad vegetables are essential for good health and they form a major component of human diet in every family in Nigeria. Raw vegetables can be agent of transmission of intestinal parasites. The aim of this study is to determine the parasitic contamination of salad vegetables sold at wholesale and retail markets around Ilorin metropolis. A total of 150 samples of salad vegetables obtained from five different markets were examined for both protozoa and helminth parasites using standard methods. About 25 samples each of lettuce, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, tomato and onion were examined. Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Enterobius vermicularis, cysts of Giardia lamblia, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Balantidium coli and Necator americanus were detected in 28.0%,