Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals at Khon Kaen Zoo, Thailand

Research (Published online: 05-12-2023)

4. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals at Khon Kaen Zoo, Thailand

Jirawat Sangpeng, Chatanun Eamudomkarn, Nuttanan Hongsrichan, Atchara Artchayasawat, Chavin Chaisongkram, Kanda Ponsrila, Siriwan Kimkamkaew, Nonglak Laoprom, Thidarut Boonmars, Paiboon Sithithaworn, and Opal Pitaksakulrat

Veterinary World, 16(12): 2416-2424

Jirawat Sangpeng: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

Chatanun Eamudomkarn: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

Nuttanan Hongsrichan: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

Atchara Artchayasawat: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

Chavin Chaisongkram: Department of Research Conservation and Animal Health, Khon Kaen Zoo, 40280, Thailand.

Kanda Ponsrila: Department of Research Conservation and Animal Health, Khon Kaen Zoo, 40280, Thailand.

Siriwan Kimkamkaew: Department of Research Conservation and Animal Health, Khon Kaen Zoo, 40280, Thailand.

Nonglak Laoprom: Department of General Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, 47000, Thailand.

Thidarut Boonmars: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

Paiboon Sithithaworn: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

Opal Pitaksakulrat: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

Background and Aim: Captive animals are susceptible to parasitic diseases due to the stress and confinement they experience. In addition, they can serve as reservoirs of zoonotic parasites that have the potential to infect humans. To investigate this possibility, we estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in captive mammals at Khon Kaen Zoo, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-seven individual mammals (37 primates, 43 carnivores, 62 herbivores, and 5 rodents) were examined for parasitic infections by fecal examination daily for 3 consecutive days using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) and the agar plate culture method.

Results: According to FECT, the overall prevalence of GI parasites was 62.6% (92/147). Within animal groups, the numbers were as follows: 67.6% (25/37) in primates, 23.3% (10/43) in carnivores, 85.5% (53/62) in herbivores, and 80.0% (4/5) in rodents. Using the agar plate culture method, 21.43% (27/126) were positive for Strongyloides spp. and hookworm infections. The GI parasites identified belonged to three categories: protozoa (including Entamoeba histolytica species complex, Entamoeba coli, Giardia spp., coccidia, and ciliated protozoa), trematodes (minute intestinal flukes and rumen flukes), and nematodes (strongyle/hookworm, Strongyloides spp., Ascarididae, and Trichuris spp.).

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the prevalence of several GI parasites in zoo animals with the potential for transmission to humans, given the animals’ close proximity to both visitors and animal caretakers.

Keywords: captive mammals, gastrointestinal parasites, zoo, zoonotic parasites.