Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Parasites Research Articles

First Molecular Identification of Ancylostoma Species in Dogs in a Rural Tea Estate Community in Sri Lanka and the Detection of Other Zoonotic Gastro-intestinal Parasites.

Ancylostoma spp. causing canine hookworm infections are distributed worldwide with a high prevalence in the South Asian region. Here, we report the first molecular identification of the canine hookworm infecting the dogs in Sri Lanka. Fresh faecal samples were collected from free-roaming dogs in tea estate communities in Talawakelle, processed and microscopically analysed for gastro-intestinal parasites. The common dog hookworm Ancylostoma sp. was further investigated using molecular diagnostic tools including PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Of the individual dogs sampled, 97.0% (97/100) were positive for GI parasites, identifying 14 species, all of which were zoonotic. Entamoeba sp. (58.0% (58/100)) was the most prevalent infection and Ancylostoma sp. (45.0% (45/100)) was the most prevalent helminth infection. Overall, helminth prevalence was higher in female dogs (92.5% (37/40)) than male dogs (73.3% (44/60)), potentially due to immune suppression during pregnancy and lactation. The prevalence and burden of Toxocara canis was higher in puppies (≤ 1year) (68.8%(11/16); Chi-square test; χ2 = 20.912, p < 0.001 and FEC = 5.91; Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.001), possibly due to vertical trans-mammary or trans-placental transmission of infective larvae. This study also presents the first record of Hymenolepis sp. from dogs in Sri Lanka. Ancylostoma sp. was molecularly confirmed as A. caninum. The local variant of A. caninum was phylogenetically unique and showed 99.2% similarity to that from India. The high prevalence of zoonotic GI parasites with public health significance highlights the importance of improving community well-being, veterinary care for dogs, and public awareness on zoonoses.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Parasites of Goats in Selected Abattoirs Within Makurdi Metropolis

<h3>Purpose</h3> There is a close association between diseases of animals, especially domestic animals and man. Zoonotic infections pose a significant public health threat. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of goats in 3 selected abattoirs in Makurdi Metropolis. <h3>Methods & Materials</h3> The study was carried out between July and October, 2013. A total of 150 faecal samples were collected using random sampling technique. Wet mount and Formol-ether sedimentation technique was used to prepare specimens which were examined using a compound microscope (at X 40 objective) for the identification of characteristic eggs of gastrointestinal parasites of goats. Statistical Analysis IBM SPSS software package (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20 for Windows) was used to analyze data. Categorical data were analyzed for comparison using Chi-Square Tests at a significant level of 0.05. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 150 faecal specimens examined, 143 (95.33%) were infected with at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Altogether, 8 parasites were identified among the 143 positive specimens – S<i>trongyloides papillosus</i> 43 (28.7%), <i>Fasciola gigantica</i> 37 (24.7%), <i>Trichuruis spp</i> 25 (16.7%), <i>Giardia spp</i> 13 (8.7%), <i>Marshallagia marshalli</i> 9 (6.0%), <i>Cryptosporidium spp</i> 8 (5.3%), <i>Eimeria spp</i> 5 (3.3%) and <i>Trichostrongyle spp</i> 3 (2.0%). Three zoonotic parasites were detected (<i>Gardia spp, Cryptosporidium spp</i> and <i>Eimeria spp</i>) with and an overall prevalence of 17.3%. There was no significant difference in infection between age and gender of goats sampled. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study shows that zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent among goats slaughtered at abattoirs within Makurdi metropolis.

High Toxocara cati prevalence in wild, free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Finland, 1999-2015.

In Finland, free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population has grown from 30 to 40 individuals to 2800 individuals since the species became partly protected in 1962. Changes in host population size are known to have an impact on host-parasite dynamics, and the Eurasian lynx population in Finland provides a unique opportunity for studying the potential effects of dramatic population increase and expansion of a solitary apex predator on their parasite prevalence and abundance. Toxocara cati is a zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite infecting domestic cats and wild felids worldwide. We studied T. cati infection prevalence and worm burden in 2756 Eurasian lynx individuals from Finland, covering the years 1999–2015. Toxocara cati worms that had been collected from intestinal contents were identified based on morphology. We performed regression analyses to investigate possible associations of age, sex, and host population density with T. cati infection. We found T. cati from 2324 (84.3%, 95% confidence interval 82.9–86.0) of the examined lynx. Each year, the infection prevalence was higher than 75% and not density dependent. The parasites were strongly aggregated, with older individuals harboring fewer T. cati than younger ones did. Old females aged 9–15 years had higher T. cati abundance than males of the same age group. Our results indicate that T. cati was a common and abundant parasite of Eurasian lynx throughout the study period, regardless of the changing population size and density.

Estimating the dog population, responsible pet ownership, and intestinal parasitism in dogs in Quito, Ecuador

Introduction: In 2011, authorities of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, approved an ordinance to promote public health and animal welfare through responsible pet ownership promotion. The population of dogs was not known, and the relationships between dog abundance, socioeconomic factors, prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites, and pet ownership responsibility had not been investigated. The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate the human:dog (HD) ratio, (2) to examine the relationship between household factors and responsible pet ownership, and (3) to estimate the prevalence of households with one or more dogs infected with intestinal parasites in Quito, Ecuador. Methods: Space-based random sampling procedures were used for estimation of HD ratios in free-roaming dogs and confined owned dogs. The relationship between household factors and a Responsible Pet Ownership Index was examined using logistic regression. Dog fecal samples were tested for intestinal parasites. Results: Among stray dogs, the observed HD ratio was 58:1. Among dogs kept indoors, the observed HD ratio was 3.5:1. A positive interaction effect between number of dogs in study households and household living conditions (a proxy for household wealth) on responsible pet ownership was observed, which we discuss in this report. Prevalence of households with dogs infected with intestinal parasites was 28% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 21–37). Ancylostoma spp. was the most frequent intestinal parasite in study dogs kept indoors. Conclusion: This study provides new information that can be used by policy makers to formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies and education programs aimed at enhancing animal welfare and health in Ecuador.

Effect of urbanization on zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite prevalence in endemic toque macaque (Macaca sinica) from different climatic zones in Sri Lanka.

Understanding variations in host-parasite relationships with urbanization is vital for both, public health management and conservation of endemic animals with high anthropogenic interactions. Toque macaques (Macaca sinica) are such endemic old-world monkeys in Sri Lanka. Three macaque sub species inhabit the main climatic zones of the island; M.s. sinica,M.s.aurifrons and M.s.opisthomelas inhabit the dry zone, wet zone, and montane regions of the island, respectively. This study aimed to examine parasite prevalence in this host in association with urbanization. A total of 180 fecal samples were collected from the three sub species of toque macaques inhabiting the main climatic zones (dry, wet, and montane) in Sri Lanka; 20 samples each were collected from urban, suburban, and wild populations representing each climatic zone. Twenty gastrointestinal (GI) parasite genera types i.e. five types of protozoan cysts, two types of trematode ova, four types of cestode ova, eight types of nematode ova, and a single type of acanthocephalan ova were identified. The overall prevalence of parasites was 62% (112/180) with the highest prevalence of Strongyloides infection. In all three sub species, toque macaque populations with proximity to human settlements, including urban and suburban populations, manifested a greater GI parasitic prevalence, mean ova/cyst counts and species richness, compared to their wild counterparts. Importantly, records of five parasite types in toques in Sri Lanka are reported for the first time, while Moniliformis type was reported as a first record in free ranging macaques, globally. This study clearly demonstrated that human contact and habitat modification may influence patterns of parasitic infections in macaques. As most of the parasite types identified manifest zoonotic potential, with public health implications, close associations of macaques may cause a threat to human well-being.

Integrative Genomic Analysis of rDNA from Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Parasite, Fasciola gigantica Parasitizing Bubalus bubalis from Bhojpur (Ghaziabad), Uttar Pradesh, India

Integrative Genomic Analysis of rDNA from Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Parasite, Fasciola gigantica Parasitizing Bubalus bubalis from Bhojpur (Ghaziabad), Uttar Pradesh, India

Occurrence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of rodents and the risk of human infection in different biomes of Brazil.

Rodents are synanthropic mammals adapted to several ecosystems, where they can contribute to the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to study the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites from rodents and discuss the risk of transmission to humans. Fecal samples (n = 110) from different rodent species, namely, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) and Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique. Of the samples examined, 73.6% (81/110) tested positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite. The most commonly identified parasites were Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., and Trichuris spp. eggs, Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae and Entamoeba spp. cysts. The findings of this study demonstrate that rodents living in different Brazilian biomes are parasitized by a wide range of parasites, including some of public health concern. Therefore, the proximity of rodents to human settlements may represent a tangible risk of infection for people living in these areas.

Características de las infecciones por parásitos gastrointestinales zoonóticos en perros con dueños. Lima-Perú

Urban growth in Peru is accompanied by an increase in dog ownership. Which constitutes a potential risk in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. The objective of the research was to describe the characteristics of the zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite infections in dogs with an owner. For this, 296 stool samples from patients treated in veterinary clinics located in the districts of South Central (Miraflores, Chorrillos) and South (San Juan de Miraflores) Lima were analyzed. Of which 288 were positive for gastrointestinal zoonotic parasites during the period 2015 - 2018. Likewise, the direct examination and the flotation concentration test were carried out to identify zoonotic parasites. Regarding the results, infection caused by Giardia spp (66,3%) was the most frequent, followed by Toxocara canis (18,8%), Ancylostoma caninum (3,5%) and Dypilidium caninum (2,4 %). Likewise, a higher frequency of parasites was observed in the diarrheal feces of male dogs (52,8%) of small breeds (43,8%). Mixed-breed dogs (12,2%), English Bulldog (10%) and Labrador retriever (9,7%) were the most frequently infected. It is concluded that 97,3% of the owned dogs were infected with zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites, which constitutes a problem for public health.

A SURVEY FOR ZOONOTIC AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN PIG IN BALI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Pigs have potentially to transmit zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite disease both caused by protozoa and worm. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites that were potentially zoonotic in pigs in the province of Bali. A total of 100 fresh feces samples was collected from several pig farms in Bali, from Badung and Tabanan districts, each consisted of 50 samples. Pig feces samples were examined for the presence of eggs worms, cysts and oocysts for protozoa based on the morphology and size. Identification for protozoa and worms used native, sedimentation and sucrose flotation methods. Parameters measured were sex, feed and cage management. The result showed that the characteristic parameters for pigs in both district were generally female. Cage management for raising pigs mostly used group cage. Feed that provided in both district mostly used bran and concentrate. All of 100 pig feces samples that examined positive for parasites. There were 8 types of gastrointestinal parasites that have been identified. Four types of protozoa found were Entamoeba sp. (99%), Balantidium sp. (79%), Eimeria sp. (78%), Blastocystis sp. (69%) and four types of worms were Ascaris sp. (20%), Trichuris sp. (20%), Strongyloides sp. (19%), and Oesophagostomum sp. (8%). All pigs were infected with two or more parasites. The prevalence of parasitic gastrointestinal infections was different for each district, six genera (Entamoeba sp., Balantidium sp., Blastocystis sp., Eimeria sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Trichuris sp.) were higher found in Tabanan district and the two genera (Ascaris sp. and Strongyloides sp.) were higher in Badung district. Oesophagostomum sp. was only found to infect pigs in Tabanan district. The conclusion is gastrointestinal parasites that found in pigs at Badung and Tabanan district Bali Province mostly have zoonotic potential.

Outbreak-Based Giardia Dose-Response Model Using Bayesian Hierarchical Markov Chain Monte Carlo Analysis.

Giardia is a zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite responsible for a substantial global public health burden, and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is often used to forecast and manage this burden. QMRA requires dose-response models to extrapolate available dose-response data, but the existing model for Giardia ignores valuable dose-response information, particularly data from several well-documented waterborne outbreaks of giardiasis. The current study updates Giardia dose-response modeling by synthesizing all available data from outbreaks and experimental studies using a Bayesian random effects dose-response model. For outbreaks, mean doses (D) and the degree of spatial and temporal aggregation among cysts were estimated using exposure assessment implemented via two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation, while potential overreporting of outbreak cases was handled using published overreporting factors and censored binomial regression. Parameter estimation was by Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation and indicated that a typical exponential dose-response parameter for Giardia is r = 1.6 × 10-2 [3.7 × 10-3 , 6.2 × 10-2 ] (posterior median [95% credible interval]), while a typical morbidity ratio is m = 3.8 × 10-1 [2.3 × 10-1 , 5.5 × 10-1 ]. Corresponding (logistic-scale) variance components were σr = 5.2 × 10-1 [1.1 × 10-1 , 9.6 × 10-1 ] and σm = 9.3 × 10-1 [7.0 × 10-2 , 2.8 × 100 ], indicating substantial variation in the Giardia dose-response relationship. Compared to the existing Giardia dose-response model, the current study provides more representative estimation of uncertainty in r and novel quantification of its natural variability. Several options for incorporating variability in r (and m) into QMRA predictions are discussed, including incorporation via Monte Carlo simulation as well as evaluation of the current study's model using the approximate beta-Poisson.

Soil contamination by zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of mammals in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil

The increase of canine population in urban areas, which englobes stray or domiciled dogs, has an important epidemiological role in soil contamination of public areas. This increase contributes for the dissemination of infections by parasites via faeces of infected animals. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of immature forms of gastrointestinal parasites of mammals in soil from public roads and squares of the municipality of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 211 soil samples were obtained and evaluated through the Faust and Rugai techniques. Out of 211 soil samples, 49.29% (104/211) scored positive the presence of immature forms of gastrointestinal parasites of mammals, being Ancylostoma sp. (37.91%) the most frequent. In conclusion, the soil of different parts of the municipality of Garanhuns is contamined by parasites of medical and veterinary concern. Therefore, the implementing of integrated prophylaxis measures is necessary to prevent the soil contamination, reducing the risk of infection for humans.

Potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Lunugala Tea estate community in Central Sri Lanka

The Ceylon Journal of Science is a peer-reviewed journal published quarterly by the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in March, June, September and December. It is aimed at publishing high quality research articles on topics related to different disciplines in Science. The journal accepts original research articles, book reviews, reviews and mini-reviews, short communications, opinions, research notes, and commentaries and notes. The Journal has its own website https://site.pdn.ac.lk/cjs/. The journal strictly adheres to publication ethics as emphasized by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). It is indexed in Sri Lanka Journals Online (SLJOL), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar and Zoological Records. According to the Google Scholar;H5-Index: 12H5-Median: 15According to the Exaly (1970 – 2021);Impact Factor: 0.6 (top 19%)Extended IF: 0.6 (top 19%)H-Index: 8 (top 28%)Citations/paper: 1.42

Prevalence, Abundance and Intensity of Eggs and Oocysts of Gastrointestinal Parasites in the Opossum Didelphis Virginiana Kerr, 1792 in Yucatan, Mexico.

SummaryVirginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana, is a synanthropic mammal associated with peridomestic areas of Yucatán, However, little is known about the gastrointestinal parasite infections of this species. The infection prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity of eggs and oocysts of gastrointestinal parasites, in opossums captured in the peridomestic areas were estimated in six rural localities of Yucatán, Mexico. Eighty-four faecal samples were processed by flotation technique. McMaster test was used to estimate the number of helminth eggs and protozoa oocysts per gram of feces. Seven genera of gastrointestinal parasites were identified, and then infection prevalence was estimated as follows: Protozoa Eimeria sp. (51.9 %) and Sarcocystis sp. (1 %); nematodes Ancylostoma sp. (80.56 %), Cruzia sp. (62.04 %), Trichuris sp. (60.19 %), Capillaria sp. (29.63 %), Turgida sp. (23.15 %), Toxocara sp. (11.11 %), and Ascaris sp. (1.85 %); and one acanthocephalan: Oligacanthorhynchus sp. (14.81 %). This is the first study on the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in Virginia opossums, and first evidence about the potential role of opossums in the transmission of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in peridomestic areas of Yucatán, Mexico.

A survey for potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in domestic cavies in Cameroon (Central Africa)

BackgroundFarm animals are usually suspected to transmit infections to humans. Domestic cavies (Cavia porcellus) are hosts to a variety of pathogens, some of which are zoonotic. Several parasites including the protozoa Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. may be causative agents of gastrointestinal disorders in domestic cavies and humans. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of potentially zoonotic protozoa as well as any potential zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite in domestic cavies raised under a semi extensive system in the rural areas of Cameroon.ResultsGiardia/Cryptosporidium antigens were detected in 12.90% of cavies. Helminthe eggs were found in 1.52% of animals. The prevalence of Paraspidodera uncinata, Heligmosomoides polygyrus (also known as Nematospiroides dubius) and Trichuris sp. was 1% (4/397), 0.3% (1/397), and 0.3% (1/397), respectively. Presence of Giardia/Cryptosporidium was unrelated to the occurrence of diarrhea, as none of the positive samples was from a diarrheic individual.ConclusionDomestic cavies are hosts of Giardia/Cryptosporidium and appear as potential source of human giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis and infection with H. polygyrus in Cameroon. In keeping with the One Health Initiative, veterinarians and medical doctors should collaborate to address the problem of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infection in cavies and cavy breeders both in Cameroon and other countries with a similar cavy breeding system. Follow-up studies are required to further taxonomically characterize these cavy parasites and to determine their routes of transmission to humans.

Prevalence of potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in canine faeces in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Humans can get infected through direct or indirect contact with infective stages of zoonotic parasites shed to the environment through dog faeces. This study was designed to investigate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites present in dog faeces shed on the street of Ibadan metropolis, one of the largest cities in Africa. Twenty-three locations were randomly selected using grid-sampling method. A total of 203 faecal samples collected from the streets of selected areas were processed for detection of helminth eggs and protozoan oocysts using flotation technique. Eggs/oocysts per gram of faeces was counted using modified McMaster technique. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 43.3% (88/203). Single and multiple infections were 69 (78.4%) and 19 (21.6%) respectively. The parasites detected were Ancylostoma sp. 24.6% (50/88) Isospora sp. 14.2% (29/88), Toxocara sp. 9.8% (20/88), Uncinaria sp. 2.5% (5/88) and Strongyloides sp, 3.9% (8/88). Ancylostoma sp. (320 × 102 epg) and Uncinaria sp. (5 × 102 epg) had the highest and least intensity respectively. Streets within residential areas having markets had the highest number of positive samples. All the genera of parasites detected in this study have zoonotic potential. The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites detected in dog faeces from Ibadan metropolis showed that infected stray dogs roam the streets and constitute potential risk to human health. This study suggests the need for enforcement of laws restraining roaming or straying dogs and proper veterinary care of dogs. None declared.

Zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite burden of local dogs in Zaria, Northern Nigeria: Implications for human health

Background: Zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs are of the global problem particularly in the developing countries. Dogs are the most common pet animals worldwide and have been reported to be hosts of many intestinal parasites of zoonotic importance globally. In Nigeria, gastrointestinal helminthes of dogs is currently endemic in 20 of the 36 states. Aim: In general, dogs are the closest animals to humans and for that reason we decided to carry out a survey study to check the incidence of these parasites in dogs and to ascertain the level of environmental contamination in the study area. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from dog patients presented to small animal clinic of Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, dog’s fecal droppings from the streets, and residential Quarters of the University and gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of dogs from dogs slaughtering house at Basawa Barrack, Zaria. Three methods were used in the analysis of the samples; simple flotation, sedimentation, and GIT processing methods within 48 h of collection. Results: Out of 224 samples analyzed 76(33.9%) were positive of at least one of the parasites. Of the 101 samples from streets and residential quarters of ABU, Zaria, Isospora spp. 12(11.9%) recorded the highest prevalence rate followed by Taenia spp. 6(5.9%), then Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, and Dipylidium caninum were 5.0%, 4.0%, and 1.0%, respectively. Isospora spp. (19.0%) recorded the highest prevalence rate for the 100 samples collected from small animal clinic. Other parasites encountered were T. canis (8.0%), A. caninum (8.0%) and Taenia spp. (5.0%). Parasites observed from the 23 gastrointestinal contents from “dog slaughtered houses” were T. canis (17.3%), Isospora spp.(13.1%) and A. caninum (4.3). Conclusion: The study revealed that zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs are endemic in Zaria and the general public in the area are at high risk of being infected with these parasites.However, there are no statistically significant differences in the level of zoonotic parasitic infestation in the three sample sites at p<0.05.

A survey for potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and pigs in Cambodia.

There is little information available on parasites of zoonotic significance in Cambodia. In 2011, in an effort to obtain data on potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in domestic animals, 50 dogs and 30 pigs residing in 38 households located in Ang Svay Check village, Takeo province, Cambodia were examined for parasites from faecal samples. The samples were processed using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). Hookworms were the most common zoonotic parasite found in dogs (80.0%) followed by Echinostomes (18.0%). While, in pigs, Fasciolopsis buski was the most common zoonotic parasite (30.0%) followed by Ascaris suum (13.3%). This study provides baseline data on gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and pigs from Cambodia and underscores the importance of domestic animals as reservoir hosts for human parasites for Cambodian veterinary and public health agencies. Follow-up studies are required to further taxonomically characterize these dog and pig parasites and to determine their role in human parasites in this community.

Stray cats gastrointestinal parasites and its association with public health in ahvaz city, South Western of iran.

Background:Cats are the hosts for some zoonotic parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. which are important in medicine and veterinary. Studies on the prevalence of intestinal parasites of cats have received little attention in south west of Iran.Objectives:The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parasites in stray cats in Ahvaz.Materials and Methods:Random sampling was carried out from January to May 2012. One hundred and forty fecal samples from stray cats were examined using sucrose flotation method.Results:Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 121 of the 140 (86.4%) examined samples. The parasites detected in stray cats were Toxocara spp. (45%, 63/140), Isospora spp. (21.4%, 30/140), nematode larvae (21.4%, 30/140), Taenia spp. (18.6%, 26/140), Sarcocystis spp. (17.1%, 24/140), Eimeria spp. (15%, 21/140), Blastocystis spp. (14.3%, 20/140), Giardia spp, (10.7%, 15/140), Physaloptera spp. (7.1%, 10/140), and amoeba cyst (5.7%, 8/140) respectively. The prevalence of infection by Joyexiella spp. and hook worms (4.3%, 6/140), for example, Dipylidium caninum (2.9%, 4/140) was similar; and the prevalence of infection by T. gondii and Dicrocoelium dendriticum was similar (1.4%, 2/140).Conclusions:Since the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites such as Toxocara spp. in stray cats is high, there is a need to plan adequate programs to control these zoonotic parasites.

Baboons as potential reservoirs of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite infections at Yankari National Park, Nigeria

Zoonoses pose a risk to public health. To carry out the investigation of the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of baboons, Papio anubis, frequenting the Wikki base Camp in Yankari National Park, Nigeria. Formol-ether concentration technique was used to isolate parasite eggs and cysts from faecal samples. Parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola sp, Schistosoma mansoni, Hymenolepis nana, and Trichostrongylus sp, and cysts of protozoan parasites Entomoeba histolytica, E. coli, and Iodamoeba butschii. Most of the parasites identified are known to have high pathologic involvement in humans, implicating the baboons as potential source and reservoirs for human zoonotic parasitic infections although further molecular work would be necessary to ascertain if these gastrointestinal parasites are the same strains that infect humans.