Occurrence and seasonal monitoring of helminthes in the main rivers and lakes of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, 2007

Abstract

Water constitutes one of the fundamental elements for human existence, which is demonstrated by its multiple uses, for public supply, industry, agriculture, livestock, recreation, and transportation. Nevertheless, contamination from various sources has been occurring for years impairing this resource and considerably increasing the risk of waterborne diseases caused mainly by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminthes. Seasonal monitoring of helminthes is relevant to understand environmental contamination processes and provide information for decision-making measures to block the access of these parasites and other pathogens to man and animals. This study aimed at using parasitologic techniques to analyze the presence of helminthes and verify the water quality of the main bodies of water in Goiânia, the capital of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Samples were collected monthly from February 2006 to January 2007 in six pre-set points, in a total of 72 samples. Of these, 17 (23.61%) were positive for free-living larvae and 2 (2.77%) for Ascaris sp. and Hymenolepis diminuta. This study showed that the rivers and lakes of Goiânia are contaminated by eggs and/or larvae of helminthes.