Insight into One Health Approach: Endoparasite Infections in Captive Wildlife in Bangladesh

An Update on Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in Captive Wild Animals in Bangladesh

Gastrointestinal parasites cause health problems and even death in captive animals. These animals are more susceptible to parasitic infestations because of confinement and stress. The aim of the study is to describe parasitic causal agents in captive wild animals at the Bangladesh National Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park, in Sylhet. A total of 54 fecal samples were collected from the Bangladesh Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park from April 2022 to November 2022. Samples were collected from animals of the groups Aves (16), Reptiles (4), Artiodactyla (23), Perissodactyla (8), and Proboscidea (3). All samples were examined using a modified formalin ether sedimentation technique. Fecal examination consoled an overall occurrence of 61.1%. Out of 54 samples, 33 were positive for parasitic infection. The parasites observed were as follows: Ascarididae eggs (57.58%), Capillaria spp. (18.18%), Strongyloides spp. (9.09%), Trichuris spp. (6.06%), and mixed infection (9.09%). The order Reptiles had a 100% infection rate, while Aves had the lowest infection rate (50%). Only nematodes were detected in this study. Without showing evident, clinical signs and symptoms of disease, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites is high. This indicates a subclinical infection. This study shows that more epidemiological research and sanitation management programs, including regular antihelminthic therapy for controlling parasitic infection, should be adopted in zoos and ecoparks.

Current Status of Fasciolosis of Goat in Sylhet, Bangladesh: An Integrated Morphomolecular Study

Epidemiological information and proper identification of Fasciola species present in Bangladesh are important for control. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of liver fluke infection of goats in Sylhet, Bangladesh, and identifying those using integrated morphometric and molecular techniques. A total of 260 slaughtered goats (Capra hircus) were examined, and flukes were collected from infected liver using sterilized forceps. Fasciolosis prevalence in goats was 35.38% (92/260) across all age and sex categories. Female goats were found more infected (37.14%, 65/175) than male goats (31.76%, 27/85), while infection rate was found higher in young animals (37.91%, 69/182) compared to adults (29.48% 23/78). Infection rate was observed higher in rainy season (52.96%, 45/85), followed by winter (27.38%, 26/95) and summer (26.25%, 21/80). Collected flukes were examined by light microscopy after being stained with Semichon's acetocarmine, and sequences of mtDNA Cox1 genes were obtained. Ten adult flukes were measured, 38.72 ± 3.37 mm in length and 11.8 ± 1.9 mm in width. Based on morphometric features especially branching of the testis and body length/body width ratios (3.28 ± 0.42), the flukes were primarily identified as Fasciola gigantica. Amplicon sequences were compared by BLAST and the cox1 sequences showed 97.1-99.3% similarity with the reference sequences (F. gigantica and Fasciola sp.) from GenBank. In this study, we found a considerable prevalence of fascioliasis in goats, and F. gigantica was solely identified with variation. To control these parasites and prevent potential public health risks, appropriate control techniques must be developed.

Insights to helminth infections in food and companion animals in Bangladesh: Occurrence and risk profiling

Introduction

A better understanding of the epidemiology of helminths in animal hosts is important in order to ensure animal welfare, public health and food safety. The aim of this study was to explore parasitism in common animals in Bangladesh. Perception and understanding of animal owners regarding parasitic diseases management were also assessed.

Materials and methods

A total of 550 fecal samples were examined from common animals (cattle, goat, pig, chicken, dog, and cat) across three different areas of Bangladesh (Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram) from January 2020 to March 2021. Associated risk factors were assessed through questionnaire surveys among 50 animal owners. Parasitological assessment was done using the combined sedimentation-flotation method, and factors associated with infection were modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression.

Results

Helminths including Toxocara sp., Spirometra sp., Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., opisthorchiid, Ascaris suum, Fasciola sp., Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, hookworms, roundworms, taeniid, and acanthocephalans were detected in the examined animals, and overall prevalence was 59.3% (95% CI = 54.1–62.8). Parasites were found in 61.3% (245/400) of food animals and 54.0% (81/150) of companion animals. Animal owners have a good understanding of parasite infections; however, that knowledge was not being translated into practice. Logistic regression analysis showed that frequency of deworming, animal husbandry practice, contact with untreated animals, and treatment-seeking behaviors were significantly associated with parasitic infection.

Conclusion

Several types of zoonotic parasites are widely prevalent in animals of Bangladesh and pose a potential risk to human health. This study highlights the need to diagnose animal parasitic infection and intensified case management to avoid spillovers to animals and humans.