Prevalence of coccid parasites in chimpanzees of Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre

Abstract

A cross sectional non-invasive study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal coccid parasites in faecal samples of chimpanzees from Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC). 50 faecal samples were randomly picked from the building where chimpanzees stay, the samples were randomly picked from adult, subadult and juvenile chimpanzees. These samples were picked using faecal collection kit, they were marked and stored in cool box for further examinations to be carried out, the samples were observed using naked eyes to ascertain the nature of the faecal matter. Microscopic examination of faecal samples was done by carrying out sedimentation technique.

The results for prevalence of coccidia in chimpanzees are as follows: Cyclospora 22%, Isospora 26% and samples that were found without coccidia scored 52%. The results for the natures of faecal samples are as follow loose faecal samples scored 34%, faecal samples found to be blood tinged scored 6% and the ones that were found to be normal scored 60% T . he study confirmed that the adult chimpanzees had heavy parasitic burden of gastrointestinal coccidia compared to subadults and the juvenile chimpanzees which was attributed to the fact that adults and subadults are released to the highland where they spend time during day while the juvenile chimpanzees stay in the exhibit. Routine prophylactic treatment of chimpanzees should be done on regular basis preferably after every three months to reduce on parasitic burden among chimpanzees, there should be a demarcation which can prevent chimpanzees in the island from accessing dirty water which covers the island. Fresh water should be provided to chimpanzees more so the ones on the highland i.e., the adults with heavy parasitic burden. It was very hard for samples to be attached to individuals as noninvasive approach was used which does not permit direct picking of samples from individuals. This made it hard to identify chimpanzees with coccidia.