Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Non-Human Primates in Jos Zoological Garden

Abstract

Non-human primates (NHP) serve as important reservoirs of parasites that cause diseases to man as close interactions between humans and NHP create pathways for the transmission of zoonotic diseases. The aim of this study was to carry out a survey of the intestinal parasites of NHP in Jos Zoological garden. Stool samples were collected from thirty one (31) NHP and examined using direct wet mount, floatation and sedimentation methods. Of this, helminths and protozoa were recorded. Trichuris trichiura recorded the highest (58.06%) prevalence of the helminths, followed by hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides which recorded prevalences of 38.71% and 19.35 % respectively. For the protozoan parasites recovered, Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent (93.55%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/nuttali (74.19%), while Cyclospora spp recorded the least prevalence (12.90%). Among the NHP observed, baboons, chimpanzees and patas monkeys were infected at different levels with all the three helminths recorded while Mona and tantalus monkeys were only infected with T. trichiura and hookworm. The entire protozoans recorded were found in baboon and Tantalus monkeys while chimpanzees, mona and patas monkeys were infected with E. coli and E. histolytica/nuttali. Regular parasitological examination and treatment of NHP should be carried out to prevent zoonotic infection of zoo keepers and park visitors.