Zoonotic Hemoparasites of Baboons (Papio Anubis) at the Human-Wildlife Interface in Kenya

In Kenya, the encroachment of baboon habitats has led to increased interaction between humans and non-human primates (NHP). This interaction may result in negative consequences such as increased chances of zoonotic parasite transmission. The current study investigated the protozoan hemoparasites (both zoonotic and non-zoonotic) of free ranging baboons (Papio anubis) at two human–baboon interface sites: Tsavo West National Park (TWNP) and Tana River Primate Reserve (TRPR). One hundred and six baboons were trapped, anaesthetized, physically examined, and sampled for blood and ectoparasites. Physical examination revealed lymphadenopathy in all (100%) baboons from Tsavo and 66.7% in Tana. Microscopic examination of blood smears indicated the following prevalence of hemoparasites in TWNP and TRPR baboons respectively; Hepatocystis kochi (70%, 64.4%), Entopolypoides macaci (0%, 4.4%), Babesia microti (0%, 4.4%), and Plasmodium spp. (1.7%, 0%). PCR screening results revealed slightly higher prevalence of hemoparasites in TWNP and TRPR baboons respectively: Hepatocystis kochi (87%, 90%), Babesia (10.8%, 16.7%) and Entopolypoides (8.7%, 5%). There was a significant difference in the prevalences of Entopolypoides macaci and Babesia microti between the two sites (P<0.05). The species of ticks identified included Rhipicephalus simus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus and Hyalomma truncatum. The prevalence of ticks observed in TWNP and TRPR baboons was 28% and 23.3%, respectively. The occurrence of these parasites in the human-baboon interface is important in the light of emerging and re-emerging diseases and zoonoses in human populations.