Browsing by Author "K.C, Manisha"

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    Prevalence of Gastrointestinal parasites in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, Zimmermann 1780) and Human community in Bijaypur, Dharan, Nepal
    (Institute of Science & Technology, 2024) K.C, Manisha; Dr. Laxman Khanal
    Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are distributed across Nepal in close association with humans and with a high probability of sharing of gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence, diversity, and determinants associated with gastrointestinal parasites in rhesus macaques and the people residing in the Bijaypur area of Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal. Microscopic methods, including direct wet mount, floatation, and sedimentation, were used to analyze fecal samples from 50 macaques and 50 humans. The results revealed that among the rhesus macaques, the general prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 62%. The most prevalent parasites were Trichuris sp. (52%), followed by Entamoeba sp. (22%), Ascaris sp. and Hookworm (12% each), Eimeria sp. (6%), and Strongyloides sp. (2%). In contrast, humans exhibited a lower parasitic infection rate of 6%, with Entamoeba sp. being the most common (6%), followed by Hookworm (4%) and Trichuris sp. (2%). The Sorenson’s Coefficient of Similarity for the assessment of similarity in GI parasites between rhesus and humans, was found to be 0.67, indicating a moderate level of similarity. The mean parasite richness in infected macaque samples was calculated to be 1.70± 0.64 (SD), highlighting the diversity of parasites present in these primates. The study suggests that the substantial occurrence of GI parasites in rhesus macaques can be linked to their close association with humans, sharing habitats and food sources. This situation increases the potential for the bi- directional flow of parasites between the two species and raises concerns about zoonotic transmission, emphasizing the importance of routine monitoring and effective management strategies to mitigate the risks associated with such interactions.