Gastrointestinal parasites of zoonotic importance observed in the wild, urban, and captive populations of non‐human primates in Malaysia

Abstract

Background A study was undertaken to determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites commonly found in Malaysia's non‐human primates (NHP) living in three different types of populations (wild, urban, and captive) and the basis of major GI parasites of zoonotic importance. Methods A total of 308 samples was collected and microscopically screened from the NHP in the wild (n = 163), urban (n = 76), and captive (n = 69) populations. The samples were taken from 12 species of local NHPs. Results At least, 44 species of GI parasites comprising of protozoans (seven species), nematodes (26 species), cestodes (five species), trematodes (five species), and pentastomida (one species) were detected. There were no significant differences for the overall prevalence and no great differences in GI parasite species among the wild, urban, and captive NHP populations. Conclusion The most common GI parasite was Ascaris spp. (49.7%), followed by Oesophagostomum spp. (26.9%), and 31 species discovered in this study are of known public health importance.

Prevalence of parasites in working pig‐tailed Macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in Kelantan, Malaysia

“…A study in Bali, Indonesia, suggested gastrointestinal parasite burden in human populations are associated with the amount of anthropogenic land use in the surrounding communities and the participate in exposure risk behaviours with the surrounding macaques . As most of the helminths reported here are of zoonotic concern, these working macaques may pose as a source of infestation to their owners and caretakers …”

“…However, the owner may not be alert on the possible risk of transmission of malaria and filariasis from their macaques due to awareness and knowledge of the diseases in general is lacking among this endemic community . To date, little is known about the prevalence of parasitic infestations in this special group of captive primates in the households, primarily in Kelantan, Malaysia . The parasite prevalence of these working macaques is hypothesised to be higher than reported at a zoo in Malaysia .…”

“…Most of these primates were sourced from the wild population, and the parasitic status of these macaques is unknown. Literatures showed that captive primates are susceptible to various parasitic infestations particularly gastrointestinal (GIT) parasitic infestations, in which majority of these parasites are with zoonotic concern . However, the impacts caused by these parasites are usually not concerned by the owners as the encounter is most often aborted infestations due to host specificity of these parasites.…”

“…Working macaques are being kept with different husbandary practice and without standard disease prophylaxis as compare to those kept in zoo or as pet animals. Determination of the parasitic status of these working M nemestrina is integral to initiate necessary actions and preventive measures to prevent zoonotic transmissions that may cause morbidity and mortality in both animals and humans …”

“…Kelantan, Malaysia. 2,[12][13][14] The parasite prevalence of these working macaques is hypothesised to be higher than reported at a zoo in Malaysia. 14 Working macaques are being kept with different husbandary practice and without standard disease prophylaxis as compare to those kept in zoo or as pet animals.…”