Entamoeba histolyticainfection in humans, chimpanzees and baboons in the Greater Gombe Ecosystem, Tanzania

Abstract

AbstractEntamoeba histolyticais an enteric parasite that infects approximately 50 million people worldwide. AlthoughE. histolyticais a zoonotic parasite that has the potential to infect nonhuman primates, such transmission is poorly understood. Consequently, this study examined whetherE. histolyticais present among humans, chimpanzees and baboons living in the Greater Gombe Ecosystem (GGE), Tanzania. The primary aims were to determine patterns ofE. histolyticainfection in a system with human-nonhuman primate overlap and to test associations between infection status and potential risk factors of disease.Entamoebaspp. occurred in 60.3% of human, 65.6% of chimpanzee and 88.6% of baboon samples.Entamoeba histolyticaoccurred in 12.1% of human, 34.1% of chimpanzee and 10.9% of baboon samples. HumanE. histolyticainfection was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. This was the first study to confirm the presence ofE. histolyticain the GGE. The high sample prevalence ofE. histolyticain three sympatric primates suggests that zoonotic transmission is possible and stresses the need for further phylogenetic studies. Interventions targeting better sanitation and hygiene practices for humans living in the GGE can help preventE. histolyticainfection in humans, while also protecting the endangered chimpanzees and other primates in this region.