Zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths and hemoparasites of baboons in Tana River, Tsavo and Laikipia, Kenya
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Date
2017-02
Authors
Maloba, Fredrick Chimoyi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Zoonotic pathogens are among the most important causes of ill health in humans all
over the world. In Kenya, the encroachment of wildlife habitats has led to increased
interaction between humans and non-human primates especially baboons hence
potential for zoonoses transmission. However, a risk analysis for these zoonoses had not
been undertaken in Kenya. The current study aimed to investigate hemoparasites and
gastrointestinal parasites of olive baboons (Papio anubis) at the human–baboon
interface in Tsavo West National Park, Tana River Primate Reserve and Mutara Ranch
in Laikipia County. Laikipia baboons were used to study hematological responses to
helminth treatments and pathology. Questionnaire survey was conducted in Tana River
and Tsavo on risk factors associated with zoonoses. Baboons were trapped in the wild,
sampled for blood, feacal, ectoparasites and thoroughly examined physically. Blood
smears were prepared and examined for hematology and haemoparasites. Uncoagulated
blood was used for confirmation of haemoparasites with Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR). Feacal samples were screened for helminth oocysts. Helminths detected
included Oesophagostomum, Strongyloides, Trichuris and Enterobius with the highest
frequencies being 80.5%, 77.8%, 27.5% and 14.8% respectively in the three study sites.
Schistosoma mansoni was only detected in Tsavo baboons (2.1%). There was a
significant difference in prevalence of the helminths among the three sites (P<0.05) with
Laikipia having the highest frequencies followed by Tana then Tsavo. Infection
intensities were light in all the study sites. Following treatment, all the leucocyte
parameters did not change significantly (P<0.05) but there was a significant increase in
erythrocyte indices (P<0.05) except MCV (P>0.05) though all were still within normal
ranges. Hemoparasites were detected by PCR in Tsavo and Tana River baboons only
and these included Hepatocystis kochi (90% and 87%), Babesia (10.8% and 16.7 %,),
and Entopolypoides (8.7% and 5%) respectively. There was an association between H.
kochi infection and lymph node enlargement as well as fever (χ2>3.84, df=1, P<0.05) in
both Tana River and Tsavo baboons. Tissue pathology due to helminth revealed nodular
lesions with epithelial necrosis due to Oesophagostomum in large intestines, lung
fibrosis due to Strongyloides infection and intussusception attributed to Trichuris
infection. Schistosoma mansoni infection revealed granuloma formation, parenchymal
and periportal fibrosis in liver. Risk factors of zoonosis in Tsavo and Tana River
included sharing of river water (6%, 76%), baboon crop raids (65% and 75.1%) and
baboon livestock predation (92.9% and 91.8%), consumption of left overs from crop
raids/ predation (66%, 19.8%), lack of knowledge of zoonoses (81% and 92%), monkey
meat consumption (12% and 2%) respectively. Significant factors included baboon crop
raids, left over consumption, and lack of knowledge on zoonosis (P<0.05) in both sites.
There was a high interaction between humans and baboons which increased the risk of
zoonoses transmission. Public education on zoonosis, training of health staff on
zoonoses and improving compensation due to losses caused by baboons is highly
recommended to reduce human-wildlife the interaction and potential for zoonoses
transmission.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
(Parasitology) in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences of Kenyatta University. February 2017