Prevalence, diversity of enteroparasites, and zoonotic risk in neotropical primates from Napo province, Ecuador
Synopsis
Gastrointestinal parasitoses severely affect Neotropical primates in Napo, Ecuador—both in the wild and in captivity, posing a significant risk to animal and human health. This study was conducted at three sites: Puerto Misahuallí, the Kuri Pachamama Rescue Center, and El Arca Zoo. Fifteen fresh fecal samples were collected, preserved in 10 % formalin, and analyzed using direct smear and Sheather’s flotation techniques. The results showed an overall parasite prevalence of 93.33 %, with Strongyloides stercoralis and Enterobius vermicularis being the most common species. Zoonotic risk was classified as very high at Kuri Pachamama and high at the other two sites. These findings reveal that primates are highly exposed to enteroparasites regardless of their management conditions. Continuous parasitological surveillance and the implementation of preventive strategies are recommended to reduce transmission risks between animals and humans, thereby contributing to the One Health approach.
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