Cestode infections in non-human primates suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles in the area surrounding the Strasbourg primatology center

Abstract

Background: Several cases of infections due to Echinococcus multilocularis, Taenia martis and Taenia crassiceps were recently described in various species of captive non-human primates (NHPs) harbored in the Strasbourg Primate Center (SPC). Furthermore, one of the first cases of human cysticercosis due to T. martis was described in the Strasbourg region. These data suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles of tapeworm infections in the direct environment of the SPC. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of larval cestode infections among intermediate and definitive hosts in the close neighborhood of the center. We analyzed carnivore mammal fecal samples as well as rodent carcasses, collected inside or near the SPC, using PCR. Furthermore, we performed serology for Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp. on NHP sera. Results: We found that 14.5% (95% CI [8.6; 20.4]) of 138 carnivore feces were positive for E. multilocularis-DNA, as well as 25% (95% CI [5.5; 57.2]) of 12 rodent carcasses, and 5.1% (95% CI [1.4; 8.7]) for T. martis or T. crassiceps. Of all NHPs tested, 10.1% (95% CI [3.8; 16.4]) were seropositive for Echinococcus spp. and 8.2% (95% CI [1.3; 15.1]) for Taenia spp. Conclusions: Our data support the existence of zoonotic cycles of larval cestode infections in the direct environment of the primatology center affecting NHPs harbored in the SPC, potentially threatening the human population living in this area. Since this zoonotic risk is borne by local wildlife, and given the severity of these infections, it seems necessary to put in place measures to protect captive NHPs, and further studies to better assess the risk to human populations.

Wild Animals in Captivity: An Analysis of Parasite Biodiversity and Transmission among Animals at Two Zoological Institutions with Different Typologies

“…One of the likely most important factors to consider is the entry of parasites transported by carriers (i.e., insects) or transmitted by local wildlife that enter the zoo in search of food [ 14 , 16 , 18 ]. This would allow for similar prevalences of direct-cycle parasites in animals from outside and inside the park [ 9 , 10 , 17 ].…”

“…This would allow for similar prevalences of direct-cycle parasites in animals from outside and inside the park [ 9 , 10 , 17 ]. In the case of parasites with an indirect life cycle, the uncontrolled entries of infected intermediate hosts can lead to the occurrence of infections by adult cestodes in some cases, while the entrance of infected adult hosts (i.e., mesocarnivores) into reserved areas could result in the emergence of larval cestodiasis, which can be lethal for zoo animals [ 16 ]. ZooAquarium and Faunia are located close to each other in the same city (about 15 km apart in a straight line), so, a priori, there is not a significant difference in the potential wild animals that may introduce parasites into both centres.…”

“…Despite the veterinary regulations in importing countries, zoo animals could be parasitised by co-imported parasites as well as other autochthonous species, and in some cases, cross-transmission with zoo personnel could occur [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, although there are many studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in zoo animals, only a few deal with the possible cross-transmission between housed and free-ranging animals or with the characteristics of the facilities [ 9 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. In the present study, we investigated the biodiversity and host range of parasites infecting non-aquatic mammals and birds in two zoological institutions with different housing conditions during a 10-year period (2013–2022), compared the results between them, and evaluated the possibility of transmission between animals and humans.…”

Cholecystoduodenostomy for biliary obstruction treatment in a white‐collared lemur (Eulemur cinereiceps)

“…Three weeks post‐surgery, the animal had not developed further signs which could be associated to this parasitic process. The origin of this infection is probably faeces of wild free‐ranging local carnivores, which are known to be carriers of T. martis in eastern France, 22 and are present at the zoo (personal communication).…”