Abstract
This study focused on Oeosophagostomum sp., and more especially on O. bifurcum, as a parasite that can be lethal to humans and is widespread among humans and monkeys in endemic regions, but has not yet been documented in apes. Its epidemiology and the role played by non-human primates in its transmission are still poorly understood. O. stephanostomum was the only species diagnosed so far in chimpanzees. Until recently, O. bifurcum was assumed to have a high zoonotic potential, but recent findings tend to demonstrate that O. bifurcum of non-human primates and humans might be genetically distinct. As the closest relative to human beings, and a species living in spatial proximity to humans in the field site studied, Pan troglodytes is thus an interesting host to investigate. Recently, a role for chimpanzees in the emergence of HIV and malaria in humans has been documented. In the framework of our long-term health monitoring of wild chimpanzees from Kibale National Park in Western Uganda, we analysed 311 samples of faeces. Coproscopy revealed that high-ranking males are more infected than other individuals. These chimpanzees are also the more frequent crop-raiders. Results from PCR assays conducted on larvae and dried faeces also revealed that O. stephanostomum as well as O. bifurcum are infecting chimpanzees, both species co-existing in the same individuals. Because contacts between humans and great apes are increasing with ecotourism and forest fragmentation in areas of high population density, this paper emphasizes that the presence of potential zoonotic parasites should be viewed as a major concern for public health. Investigations of the parasite status of people living around the park or working inside as well as sympatric non-human primates should be planned, and further research might reveal this as a promising aspect of efforts to reinforce measures against crop-raiding.
Highlights
Nodular worms (Oesophagostomum spp.) are commonly found as nematode parasites of pigs, ruminants and primates, including humans
Fatal cases have been described in African apes from sanctuaries [12] and collected parasites were diagnosed as O. stephanostomum
The disease caused by the nodular worm Oesophagostomum bifurcum can be lethal in humans and is of major human health significance in certain African regions
Summary
Nodular worms (Oesophagostomum spp.) are commonly found as nematode parasites of pigs, ruminants and primates, including humans. In endemic foci in Africa, especially in Ghana and Togo, a high prevalence of Oesophagostomum bifurcum infection has been reported in human populations, one million being estimated at risk [1,2]. Eight species of Oesophagostomum have been recognized so far to occur in non-human primates [4]. Especially chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas, prevalence of strongyle eggs in stools is often high and O. stephanostomum was the only species of Oesophagostomum identified so far [8,9,10]. Little is known about the intensity of infection in terms of parasite load and clinical signs in great apes. It has been reported that wild apes develop clinical signs of oesophagostomosis as soon as in captivity [11] while the presence of parasites remains asymptomatic in wild animals. Because of the phylogenetic and spatial proximity between humans and chimpanzees, potential transmission is not excluded especially in Oesophagostomum Infection in Wild Chimpanzees
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