Zoonotic Parasites of Wildlife in Africa: A Review

Odeniran, Paul Olalekan; Ademola, Isaiah Oluwafemi

doi:10.3957/056.046.0001

Cited by 8 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…Echinococcosis, a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms that reside in the intestines of carnivores, including lions [52], can cause serious morbidity and death in people. The prevalence of Echinococcosis is increasing in some African countries due to frequent contact between game animals (reservoir hosts), domestic animal hosts (such as dogs), and humans who are susceptible to transmission [113]. Neglecting these parasites can have severe socioeconomic consequences [113].…”

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The prevalence of Echinococcosis is increasing in some African countries due to frequent contact between game animals (reservoir hosts), domestic animal hosts (such as dogs), and humans who are susceptible to transmission [113]. Neglecting these parasites can have severe socioeconomic consequences [113].…”

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Captive carnivores can be predisposed to infections of Toxoplasma, a protozoan parasite with significant zoonotic potential [113]. Lions in particular have been identified as a susceptible host species [113]. Lions infected with Toxoplasma can transmit the parasites to people via blood and feces, causing severe pulmonary, cardiac, and brain inflammatory reactions (among others), sometimes with fatal outcomes [113].…”

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lions in particular have been identified as a susceptible host species [113]. Lions infected with Toxoplasma can transmit the parasites to people via blood and feces, causing severe pulmonary, cardiac, and brain inflammatory reactions (among others), sometimes with fatal outcomes [113]. Some Toxoplasma species have also been reported to cause abortion and fetal death; underestimating the impact of these parasites on humans could lead to a future epidemic where reduction in life expectancy, and increased child and maternal death, are rife [113].…”

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

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African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa

Green¹,

Jakins²,

Asfaw³

et al. 2020

Animals

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African lions (Panthera leo) are bred in captivity on commercial farms across South Africa and often have close contact with farm staff, tourists, and other industry workers. As transmission of zoonotic diseases occurs through close proximity between wildlife and humans, these commercial captive breeding operations pose a potential risk to thousands of captive lions and to public health. An understanding of pathogens known to affect lions is needed to effectively assess the risk of disease emergence and transmission within the industry. Here, we conduct a systematic search of the academic literature, identifying 148 peer-reviewed studies, to summarize the range of pathogens and parasites known to affect African lions. A total of 63 pathogenic organisms were recorded, belonging to 35 genera across 30 taxonomic families. Over half were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). A number of novel pathogens representing unidentified and undescribed species were also reported. Among the pathogenic inventory are species that can be transmitted from lions to other species, including humans. In addition, 83 clinical symptoms and diseases associated with these pathogens were identified. Given the risks posed by infectious diseases, this research highlights the potential public health risks associated with the captive breeding industry. We recommend that relevant authorities take imminent action to help prevent and manage the risks posed by zoonotic pathogens on lion farms.

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Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Significance For Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa

Green¹,

Jakins²,

Asfaw³

et al. 2020

Animals

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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A review of wildlife tourism and meta-analysis of parasitism in Africa’s national parks and game reserves

2018

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The recent increase of parasitic diseases associated with wildlife tourism can be traced to human contact with wildlife and intense modification of wildlife habitat. The continental estimates of parasitic diseases among visited wildlife-tourists and mammalian wildlife present in conservation areas are lacking; therefore, a general review was necessary to provide insights into Africa's parasitic disease burden and transmission between humans and wildlife. A two-step analysis was conducted with searches in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and Global Health. All diseases reported without prevalence were grouped and analysed as categorical data while meta-analysis of prevalence rates of parasitic diseases in wildlife from national parks and reserves in Africa was conducted. Only 4.7% of the tourist centres reported routine wildlife diagnosis for parasitic diseases. Disease intensity shows that cryptosporidiosis and seven other parasitic diseases were observed in both human and wildlife; however, no significant difference in intensity between human and wildlife hosts was observed. Schistosomiasis intensity reports showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) while entamoebiasis showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in humans as compared to wildlife. Visiting tourists were more infected with malaria, while wildlife was more infected with parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE). The meta-analysis of wildlife revealed the highest prevalence of PGE with mixed parasites and lowest prevalence of Giardia spp. at 99.9 and 5.7%, respectively. The zoonotic and socioeconomic impact of some of these parasites could pose a severe public threat to tourism. Pre- and post-travel clinical examinations are important for tourists while routine examination, treatment and rational surveillance are important for these animals to improve wildlife tourism.

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