en انگل شناسی Parasitology Research Article Research Article <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><b>Background:</b> Soil contamination with parasites poses a significant and concerning risk for the transmission of parasitic infections to humans and animals. Considering the crucial role of soil as a potential source of parasite transmission, this study aimed to investigate the presence of helminth and protozoan parasites in the soil of public parks in Gorgan City.<br> <b>Methods:</b> In this study, a total of 80 soil samples were collected from 16 public parks in Gorgan City in 2022. The soil samples were collected from various areas within the parks, including flower-making, children&#39;s play areas, walking paths, sitting areas, and garbage dumps. To isolate the parasites from the soil samples, a saturated solution of sodium nitrate was utilized. The samples were carefully examined under a microscope, and all isolates were stained and subjected to further investigation using special acid-fast stain.<br> <b>Results:</b> <i>Toxocara</i> eggs were the most commonly detected parasite, present in 40% of the samples (n=32). Coccidia oocysts were found in 12.5% of the samples (n=10), which could potentially be <i>Sarcocystis</i> or <i>Toxoplasma</i> oocysts. Mites were also detected in 12.5% of the samples (n=10). Additionally, <i>Cryptosporidium</i> oocysts were identified using Ziehl-Neelsen&#39;s modified staining method, and they were found in 10% of the samples (n=8).<br> <b>Conclusion</b>: Health education plays a vital role in raising awareness about preventive measures. Collecting reservoirs of parasites (Such as dogs and cats) and planning for the proper disposal of human waste also play an important role in prevention of this disease.</span></span><br> <br> <span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span> Parasites, Parks, recreational, Environmental pollutionm, Gorgan 36 38 http://mlj.goums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-654-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Mahsa Shad shadmahsa5@gmail.com 100319475328460028121 0009-0008-9700-2673 No Infectious Disease Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Ayeneh hagieh Pangh ayenehpangh56@gmail.com 100319475328460028122 100319475328460028122 No Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Farideh Tohidi tohidi66@yahoo.ca 100319475328460028123 100319475328460028123 Yes Infectious Disease Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran