Preliminary Study on Gastrointestinal Helminths in Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) at the Mole National Park, Ghana

Abstract

Most emerging human infectious diseases originated from wildlife. To find out if warthogs in Mole National Park harbour zoonotic parasites, a total of 39 warthog faecal droppings were sampled and examined. Zinc Sulphate Floatation technique was used in processing the samples for microscopic examination and quantification of parasite eggs. Out of the 39 warthog droppings, 95% were infected with one or more parasite species. At least seven genera of helminths were identified. Nearly 72% of the warthog droppings harboured Strongyloides sp and trichostrongyle-type. Enterobius sp. was found in 64.1% of the droppings. Other parasitic helminths identified such as Ascaris sp., Taenia sp., Monieza sp., and S. haematobium occurred in less than 50% of the animals.  Z-tests showed significant variations in prevalence among the various parasites (p<0.05). Mostly, the level of infection ranged from moderate (100<EPG<500) to high (EPG ≥ 500) loads of helminth eggs. Forty-two percent of the warthogs had three or more parasites. This study reveals some helminths that are harboured by the warthogs in the Mole National Park. The presence of zoonotic parasites such as Ascaris sp. and Taenia sp. in the warthogs is an indication of potential for transmission of zoonoses in the community.