Zoonotic Hemoparasites of Baboons (Papio Anubis) at the Human-Wildlife Interface in Kenya

Authors: Fredrick M*

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000172

Volume 2, Issue 5

Abstract

In Kenya, the encroachment of baboon habitats has led to increased interaction between humans and non-human primates (NHP). This interaction may result in negative consequences such as increased chances of zoonotic parasite transmission. The current study investigated the protozoan hemoparasites (both zoonotic and non-zoonotic) of free ranging baboons (Papio anubis) at two human–baboon interface sites: Tsavo West National Park (TWNP) and Tana River Primate Reserve (TRPR). One hundred and six baboons were trapped, anaesthetized, physically examined, and sampled for blood and ectoparasites. Physical examination revealed lymphadenopathy in all (100%) baboons from Tsavo and 66.7% in Tana. Microscopic examination of blood smears indicated the following prevalence of hemoparasites in TWNP and TRPR baboons respectively; Hepatocystis kochi (70%, 64.4%), Entopolypoides macaci (0%, 4.4%), Babesia microti (0%, 4.4%), and Plasmodium spp. (1.7%, 0%). PCR screening results revealed slightly higher prevalence of hemoparasites in TWNP and TRPR baboons respectively: Hepatocystis kochi (87%, 90%), Babesia (10.8%, 16.7%) and Entopolypoides (8.7%, 5%). There was a significant difference in the prevalences of Entopolypoides macaci and Babesia microti between the two sites (P

Keywords: Zoonosis; Hemoparasites; Babesia; Entopolypoides; Hepatocystis

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