Gastrointestinal parasites in <i>Papio anubis</i> (Olive baboons) of Yankari game reserve: Zoonotic concerns

Abstract

The emergence and reemergence of zoonotic diseases from wildlife is a growing concern. In line with the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, it is essential to consider all these factors to achieve optimal health outcomes globally. This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in Papio anubis (olive baboon) troops living in close proximity to humans. The Yankari Game Reserve, a wildlife park in Bauchi State, Nigeria, has diverse wildlife populations, including P. anubis. One hundred and fifty-one faecal samples from P. anubis were collected and examined using formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation and centrifugal flotation techniques, revealing the presence of ten (10) species of intestinal parasites, accounting for an overall parasite prevalence of 145 (96.03 %) in the observed population. The most prevalent parasite species among the P. anubis population was Entamoeba histolytica, with a prevalence of 106 (70.2%), followed by Entamoeba coli with a prevalence of 97 (64.2%). Anclyostoma spp. was the most common helminth species, with a prevalence of 73 (48.3%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis with a prevalence of 58 (38.4%). The high prevalence of potentially pathogenic parasites, such as Anclyostoma spp. and E. histolytica, among the P. anubis population is of public health importance and underscores the need for further research to examine humans in close proximity with these animals for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites and compare for species similarities. The findings of this research may help to determine the likelihood of cross-species transmission which is critical to safeguarding both humans and animals as they share the same environment.