Abstract
A study to determine the prevalence and morphotype diversity of soil-transmitted helminths in captive non-human primates (NHPs) in northern Nigeria was conducted. Simple flotation and sedimentation methods were used to examine fecal samples. A Morphometric analysis was done on Trichuris spp. eggs to determine the diversity of whipworm circulating in NHPs in the study area. High prevalence (60%) of infection was recorded in captive NHPs; Patas Monkey (n=17), Tantalus Monkey (n=9), Mona Monkey (n=7), Vervet Monkey (n=2), Mangabey Monkey (n=1), Baboon (n=14), and Chimpanzee (n=8) from parks and zoological gardens located in four Nigerian states (Borno, Gombe, Kano, and Plateau) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Captive NHPs examined were infected with helminths either as single, double or triple infections. Four zoonotic soil transmitted helminth (STH) genera, Trichuris, Strongyloides, Ancylostoma, and Enterobius were detected in the examined animals. Eggs of Trichuris spp. were the most prevalent with four morphotypes suggesting several morphotypes of whipworm were circulating among the NHPs in this region. Further studies are required to elucidate the epidemiologic and public health implications of these findings.
Highlights
MATERIALS AND METHODSNon-human primates (NHPs) enclosures in zoological gardens or parks in Nigeria are among the most popular attractions to visitors, especially children; the maintenance of wild animals in captivity is fraught with numerous challenges that of parasitic disease conditions due to high contamination of the environment (Rao & Acharjyo 1984; Vanitha et al 2011)
Fifty-eight captive non-human primates (NHPs) in five zoological gardens located in Jos (n=15), Kano (n=9), Maiduguri (n=3), Gombe (n=9) & Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja (n=4) and two Parks located in Jos (n=8) & FCT Abuja (n=10) were examined
Prevalence of helminths in NHPs from northern Nigeria Helminth eggs were detected in fecal samples of NHPs from zoos or parks in all the states studied
Summary
Non-human primates (NHPs) enclosures in zoological gardens or parks in Nigeria are among the most popular attractions to visitors, especially children; the maintenance of wild animals in captivity is fraught with numerous challenges that of parasitic disease conditions due to high contamination of the environment (Rao & Acharjyo 1984; Vanitha et al 2011). This is exacerbated by lowered immunity of the animals due to the stress of captivity, diminishing their resistance to parasitic diseases (Gracenea et al 2002; Perez Cordon et al 2008). Mean values of measurements were given in micrometers (μm) ± standard deviations (SD)
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