Gastrointestinal parasites in human and rhesus monkey of Nilbarahi area, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are usual threats to primate populations. The study was conducted from March to April-2021 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in humans and monkeys in the Nilbarahi area, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Altogether 200 samples from humans (100) and monkeys (100) were collected and preserved in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. These samples were analyzed microscopic by direct wet mount method and concentration procedures, viz. flotation technique and sedimentation technique, in the laboratory of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Khumaltar, Lalitpur. Out of 100 samples of humans, 13(13%) samples were found positive, with the prevalence of protozoan parasites found higher compared to helminthic parasites. The most common protozoan parasites detected were Cryptosporidium sp. followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia sp. The infection rate was found higher in females than in males. The old age (above 60 yrs.) indicated the highest infection rate than other age groups. Only one parasite Cryptosporidium sp. showed heavy infection. The single parasitic infection was significantly high as compared to double infection. Similarly, in 100 fecal samples of monkeys examined, 81 (81%) were found positive prevalence with protozoan parasites indicated greater as compared to helminthic parasites. Among the protozoan infection, the most common parasites detected were Entamoeba spp. followed by Entamoeba coli, Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium sp., Cyclospora sp., Giardia sp., Eimeria sp., and Endolimax sp. Among the helminthic infection, the infection of Ascarid spp. and Strongyle sp. were highest followed by Taenia sp., Hookworm whereas Fasciola sp., Controrchis sp. and Capillaria sp. infections were equal. All the identified parasites showed light infection. The single parasitic infection was high as compared to double, triple, and multiple infections. The common parasites were detected from two hosts were Cryptosporidium sp., Taenia sp., and Ascarid spp. due to poor sanitation habits, lack of safe drinking water, open place defecation, barefoot walking habits, demand for traditional practices, and sharing houses with animals increases the chance of infection with intestinal parasitic infection in people of the Nilbarahi area. There is a great need of generating awareness regarding periodic anti- parasitic treatment of such animals and other prevention and control measures.