Coprological assessment of domestic carnivores in public areas and health education focused on larva migrans in São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) and visceral larva migrans (VLM) are neglected zoonoses caused by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. Although investigations have been conducted in some areas of São Paulo State, Brazil, the presence of these helminth eggs in domestic carnivores’ feces from public areas in Jaboticabal (SP) had not previously been studied. This study aimed to detect Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs in fecal samples collected in public squares using the Willis-Mollay method and to assess the community’s knowledge related to public health topics through a structured questionnaire. A total of 88 fecal samples were collected in 32 localities of the city, of which 12.5% (11/88) were positive for eggs of Ancylostoma spp. and none for Toxocara spp. The answers to the questionnaire revealed a direct trend between education level and knowledge of zoonotic risks, indicating that limited knowledge can be associated with a greater exposure to infection. This is the first study to report the presence of Ancylostoma spp. eggs in domestic carnivores’ feces in Jaboticabal. The results highlight the risk of CLM and reinforce the need for epidemiological surveillance in dogs and cats, along health education initiatives to promote regular deworming and the diagnostic testing of pets.