Gastrointestinal parasites of baboons (Papio papio) in NiokoloKoba National Park, Senegal

Niokolo-Koba National Park or P-N-N-K-B for short, in Senegal is a place where ecotourism is allowed. There is usually daily contact between tourists, workers, local people, and the various animals that serve as attractions. Recently, various studies have been carried out on the ecology of baboons in PNNKB. However, data on parasite types and prevalence in baboons within the park are scarce. Therefore, there is a need to generate baseline data on parasitic infections. This is to assess the evolution of parasitism in these primates and effectively maintain ecosystem health. This is also to manage the health of the baboons that are a major source of attraction in the park.

This study was then designed to assess the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestional parasites in baboons in the Niokolo-Koba Park.

Fifty fecal samples from two groups of baboons were collected in October 2019. The samples were processed using the flotation technique and the modified Ritchie method. Slides were examined microscopically and the parasite identification was based on morphology, color, and parasite content. Prior to this collection, familiarization with the recognition and identification of baboon feces was done.

Of the 50 samples analyzed from the baboon groups, 39 were positive for at least 1 parasite species, with a prevalence of 78%. A total of seven nematodes were identified, namely: Strongyloides sp., Trichirus sp., Ancylostoma sp., Mammo monogamus, Enterobius sp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyle digestif. In addition, there was one cestode, Bertiella sp., and one trematode, Fasciolopsis sp.

Of  the 39 positive samples, 19 were poly-infested, with a prevalence of 49%.  Out of nine parasites detected in all baboons, group A was infested by six nematodes and 1 cestode. As for group B, the baboons were infested by only seven of the nine parasites.

These results suggest that baboons in the PNNKB are indeed infested with zoonotic parasites. Contact between humans and these baboons or their feces could expose the latter to infection with zoonotic parasites.

Overall, the results of this work provide important information on the study of baboon parasitism in PNNKB. The analyses performed revealed a fairly high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites with the presence of nine parasitic species. In relation to previous studies, the researchers noted an evolution of parasitic species over time. This is with regard to the parasitic species found specifically in these primates. However, the presence of zoonotic parasites capable of infecting humans remains constant. This study, considered as a pilot study, provided results that opened up new avenues of research. However, other studies should also be considered in order to conduct large-scale research on baboons.