A pilot study on gastrointestinal parasites of monkeys (Macaca mulatta) of Mathura-Vrindavan areas, India

The rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) of Mathura-Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh, India) area come into frequent contact with human due to their habitat in the temples and holy monuments near human dwellings. Gastrointestinal parasites of these non human primates also have a zoonotic importance. A pilot study was carried out to know the parasitism of these primates. A total 312 faecal samples were collected from Mathura-Vrindavan area and examined by standard faecal centrifugal floatation and sedimentation techniques. Out of 312 faecal samples examined, 36 samples (11.53%) were found positive for Strongyloides sp. eggs, 27 samples (8.65%) positive for trichurid eggs; Ancylostoma sp. egg were found in 48 samples (15.38%) while Entamoeba histolytica and E. coli were found in 72 (23.07%) and 84 (26.92%) samples, respectively. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were found in 41 samples (13.14%). A total of 194 samples (62.17%) were found positive for parasitic infections. Among infected monkeys, 49 (25.29%) had single infection, 79 (40.72%) had double and 66 (34.02%) had multiple infections.