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Published on: May 2, 2017
Gastrointestinal Parasites of Free-Ranging Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Kathmandu: A One Health Perspective on
Yashoda Khadka1, Ananta Dahal1, Sujan Adhikari1
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal.
Veterinary Medicine and Science
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Gastrointestinal parasites, including potentially zoonotic types, are common in urban rhesus macaques at Nepal
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- One Health
- Primate Health
Background:
- Urbanization increases human-non-human primate contact, creating shared environmental health risks, especially at religious sites.
- Close cultural interactions at religious sites heighten disease transmission potential between humans and macaques.
- Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in urban settings may harbor pathogens transmissible to humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging rhesus macaques.
- To assess parasite burden at two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- To identify potential zoonotic parasite risks at the human-macaque interface.
Main Methods:
- Non-invasive fecal sample collection from rhesus macaques (N=105) at Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Stupa.
- Utilized standard coprological techniques: zinc sulphate flotation and sedimentation for microscopic analysis.
- Opportunistic cross-sectional study conducted in July-August 2024.
Main Results:
- High overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (77.1%) identified in macaques.
- Nine parasite genera detected, including four protozoans and five helminths, with eight having zoonotic potential.
- Most common parasites were Entamoeba sp. (37.1%), Strongyle-type eggs (25.7%), and Strongyloides sp. (20.0%); double infections were frequent (41.0%).
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of potentially zoonotic parasites in macaques indicates significant environmental contamination and shared human-primate exposure risk.
- Urgent need for integrated sanitation, public awareness, and management strategies.
- A One Health approach is crucial for mitigating risks at the human-macaque interface in popular tourist destinations.
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