The expansion of human populations and their associated land use practices are contributing to the fragmentation of forest ecosystems, thereby impacting the habitats of wildlife, including nonhuman primates (NHPs). This increased proximity between humans and NHP, which share an ecosystem, creates opportunities for the transmission of gastrointestinal parasites. This research analyzed the presence and diversity of intestinal parasites in two rural communities, Magallanes and Mirador Pilapa, Veracruz, Mexico, which share territory with Alouatta palliata and Ateles geoffroyi , as well as a source of water. Fecal samples from humans and NHP, as well as water samples from local springs, were analyzed. The analysis revealed a significant presence of protozoa, particularly from the genera Entamoeba and Balantidium , in the samples from humans, NHP, and the spring water, and the presence of Ascaris and Strongyloides eggs in humans and NHP. On the other hand, NHP exhibited the greatest parasite species richness (nine taxa), followed by humans (seven taxa) and water sources (five taxa). The identified intestinal parasites are transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter, a condition prevalent in the study area. Addressing gastrointestinal parasite burdens in these rural communities requires a comprehensive One Health strategy, encompassing investigations into parasite transmission dynamics across human, animal, and environmental compartments, coupled with the implementation of integrated public health interventions, to reduce the transmission of parasitic diseases by promoting biosecurity in these communities, as well as protecting the conservation of these endangered primates.
López-Flores et al. (Thu,) studied this question.