Zoonotic Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Humans, Gabon

Area of Science:

• Zoonotic diseases
• Parasitology
• One Health

Background:

• Zoonotic helminths, such as Necator gorillae and Strongyloides fuelleborni, can transmit from nonhuman primates to humans.
• Environmental changes like deforestation can alter host-pathogen dynamics and increase human-animal interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented human infections with Necator gorillae and Strongyloides fuelleborni in Gabon.
• To identify other zoonotic helminths circulating in the region.
• To highlight the potential impact of environmental degradation on zoonotic disease transmission.

Main Methods:

• Human stool samples were analyzed for helminth infections.
• Environmental factors in the affected regions were assessed.
• Epidemiological data on human-animal contact was collected.

Main Results:

• Human infections with Necator gorillae and Strongyloides fuelleborni were confirmed.
• A cryptic Ancylostoma species was also detected in the human population.
• Infections were associated with areas experiencing deforestation and environmental degradation.

Conclusions:

• Necator gorillae and Strongyloides fuelleborni are confirmed zoonotic pathogens capable of infecting humans in Gabon.
• Environmental degradation and increased human-animal contact are likely drivers of these zoonotic transmissions.
• Expanded surveillance is crucial to understand the full extent of human infections and implement control measures.