Gastrointestinal Polyparasitism in Bushmeat in Zadie Department in Northeast Gabon

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Wildlife is an important source of infectious pathogens, including parasites. Intestinal parasites are among the parasites associated with outbreaks of foodborne disease. This article analyses gastrointestinal parasites in fecal and intestine samples from wild animals used as bushmeat in the Zadie Department, Gabon. Identified parasites belonged to Fifteen taxa of gastrointestinal parasites, some of which are pathogenic for the human being. Gastrointestinal parasite detected in fecal samples from wildlife poses risks to humans, animal, and agricultural production due to the possibility of direct contact with feces. Much care should be given when manipulating games, particularly offal. In conclusion, monitoring wildlife parasites should be conducted in the One Health approach, which recognizes the close link between human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health. ABSTRACT: Wild animals harbor pathogens that can be infectious agents for humans, including parasites. This study aimed to identify gastrointestinal parasites and assess their prevalence and the potential risk for humans associated with consuming these animals. The research was conducted from August to December 2019. Parasitological analyses were carried out on the feces and intestines of 113 wild animals, including antelopes (24), duikers (58), porcupines (18), small monkeys (Cercopithecus) (8), nandinia (2), pangolin (1), genet (1), and a crocodile (1), from the Zadié Department in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo in the northeast of Gabon. The results revealed 15 taxa of gastrointestinal parasites, including nine nematodes: Strongylids (61/113), Strongyloides spp. (21/113), Ascaris spp. (21/113), Trichuris spp. (39/113), Capillaria spp. (9/113), Protostrongylus spp. (5/113), Enterobius spp. (8/113), Toxocara spp. (7/113) and Mammomonogamus spp. (5/113); three species of protozoa, namely Balantidium spp. (12/113), Eimeria spp. (17/113), and Entamoeba spp. (9/113); two species of trematodes, namely Fasciola spp. (18/113) and Paramphistomum spp. (21/113); and cestode species, Taenia spp. (1/113). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in these animals was 85.84% (97/113). In addition, among these parasitic taxa, some are potential pathogens for humans, such as Ascaris spp., Balantidium spp., Entamoeba spp., and Taenia spp. The consumption of games, particularly offal, infested by these parasites, could threaten human health.