Study of parasitic infections in non-human primates of Gujarat state, India

Abstract

Aim: The study was conducted to provide baseline data on faecal parasites in groups of captive and free-living Non Human Primates of Gujarat state. Materials and Methods: Eighty two faecal samples from hanuman langur (Presbytis entellus) and fifteen samples from rhesus macaque were analysed from June, 2010 to March, 2011 using sedimentation technique as described by Georgi. Identification of parasitic ova was carried out as described by Soulsby (1982) and Wallach and Boever (1983). Results: Out of these 28 (34.14%) in hanuman langur and 6 (40.00%) in rhesus macaque, were found positive for the presence of total of six parasite species viz. Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Entaemoeba histolytica spp., Ascaris spp., Entamoeba coli, Spirometra spp. Conclusion: Incidence of parasitic infection was 34.14% and 40.00% in Hanuman Langur and Resus macaque respectively.