Nodule worm infection in humans and wild primates in Uganda: cryptic species in a newly identified region of human transmission.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major health concern in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Oesophagostomum infection is considered endemic to West Africa but has also been identified in Uganda, East Africa, among primates (including humans). However, the taxonomy and ecology of Oesophagostomum in Uganda have not been studied, except for in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), which are infected by both O. bifurcum and O. stephanostomum.

Methods and findings

We studied Oesophagostomum in Uganda in a community of non-human primates that live in close proximity to humans. Prevalence estimates based on microscopy were lower than those based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), indicating greater sensitivity of PCR. Prevalence varied among host species, with human

SUBMITTER: Ghai RR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3888470 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature