Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Urban Landscapes: Gastrointestinal parasitism and barriers for healthy coexistence in northeast Thailand

Janna M. Schurer, Vickie Ramirez*, Pensri Kyes, Tawatchai Tanee, Natcha Patarapadungkit, Penkhae Thamsenanupap, Sally Trufan, Erica T. Grant, Gemina Garland-Lewis, Stephen Kelley, Hutsacha Nueaitong, Randall C. Kyes, Peter Rabinowitz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites have diverse life cycles that can involve people, animals, and the environment (e.g., water and soil), demonstrating the utility of One Health frameworks in characterizing infection risk. Kosumpee Forest Park (Thailand) is home to a dense population of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that frequently interact with tourists and local residents. Our study investigated the presence of zoonotic parasites, and barriers to healthy coexistence by conducting stool analysis on macaques (N = 102) and people (N = 115), and by examining risk factors for infection with a household questionnaire (N = 95). Overall, 44% of macaques and 12% of people were infected with one or more gastrointestinal helminths, including Strongyloides spp., Ascaris spp., and Trichuris sp. An adults-only generalized linear mixed model identified three factors significantly associated with human infection: household size, occupational exposure, and contact with macaque feces at home. Participants identified both advantages and disadvantages to living in close contact with macaques, suggesting that interventions to improve human and animal health in Kosumpee Forest Park would be welcome.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)357-364
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume100
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

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