Giardia duodenalis assemblages and Entamoeba species infecting non-human primates in an Italian zoological garden: zoonotic potential and management traits

Abstract

BackgroundGiardia duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. are among the most common intestinal human protozoan parasites worldwide and they are frequently reported in captive non-human primates (NHP). From a public health point of view, infected animals in zoos constitute a risk for animal caretakers and visitors. In this study we carried out the molecular identification of G. duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. from nine species of primates housed in the zoological garden of Rome, to better ascertain their occurrence and zoonotic potential.ResultsG. duodenalis was found only in Lemur catta (47.0%). Entamoeba spp. were detected in all species studied, with the exception of Eulemur macaco and Varecia rubra. The number of positive pools ranged from 5.9% in L. catta to 81.2% in Mandrillus sphinx; in Pan troglodytes the observed prevalence was 53.6%. A mixed Entamoeba-Giardia infection was recorded only in one sample of L. catta. All G. duodenalis isolates belonged to the zoonotic assemblage B, sub assemblage BIV. Three Entamoeba species were identified: E. hartmanni, E. coli and E. dispar.ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of regularly testing animals kept in zoos for the diagnosis of zoonotic parasites, in order to evaluate their pathogenic role in the housed animals and the zoonotic risk linked to their presence. A quick detection of the arrival of pathogens into the enclosures could also be a prerequisite to limit their spread into the structure via the introduction of specific control strategies. The need for molecular identification of some parasite species/genotype in order to better define the zoonotic risk is also highlighted.

Parasitic infections detected by FLOTAC in zoo mammals from Warsaw, Poland

“…A study conducted on primates housed in Rome Biopark revealed worrying levels of Giardia spp. infection in Ring Tailed Lemurs (81.2%), obtaining similar results to previous researches carried out in other parts of Europe and to those of the present work (Berrilli et al 2011;Levecke 2010;Levecke et al 2007). Those protozoa, along with Entamoeba spp.…”

“…appear very difficult to control and they are resistant to repeated treatments; for example, the veterinarians of the bio-park in Rome have unsuccessfully tried to eradicate Giardia spp. from a colony of ring-tailed lemurs through many specific treatments (Berrilli et al 2011).…”

Genetic heterogeneity and phylogeny of Trichuris spp. from captive non-human primates based on ribosomal DNA sequence data

“…Moreover, many of the parasites commonly found in zoological gardens are responsible for zoonoses, thus representing a potential public health problem (Klaus et al, 2000;Berrilli et al, 2011). Among these, nematodes of the genus Trichuris known as whipworms are recognized to infect several mammalian species, including humans (Reichard et al, 2008).…”

Use of Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals

“…Some authors have reported the possibility that these protozoa may be transmitted to humans or other animals (RAJAH SALIM et al, 1999). Transmission between animals and humans in association with clinical outbreaks among animal keepers has been reported in various studies (MILLER et al, 2004;LEVECKE et al, 2007;BERRILLI et al, 2011). The presence of zoonotic parasites emphasizes the need to use rapid copro-microscopic techniques and specific devices that protect the operator.…”