The potential threat of Strongyloides spp. to mountain gorillas and public health in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

A concerning rise in gastrointestinal parasitic infections, including suspected strongyloidiasis, has been observed in mountain gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda. Research identified Strongyloides fuelleborni, a zoonotic parasite, in both olive baboons and mountain gorillas, indicating potential cross-host transmission with implications for human health. The study, employing noninvasive fecal sampling and genetic analysis, found higher prevalence of Strongyloides in gorillas near park edges and among younger age groups. Additionally, zoonotic lineages such as S. stercoralis were detected in domestic dogs, posing risks to both gorilla conservation and public health. These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and community education on cross-species parasite transmission.

Bukamba, N., Sambucci, K. M., Nosková, E., Baláž, V., Okello, R. O., Muhumuza, D. D., Nizeyimana, F., Sargison, N. D., Kelly, R. F., Ssebide, B., Evans, T. S., Gilardi, K., Petrželková, K. J., Pafčo, B., & Červená, B. (2026). The potential threat of Strongyloides spp. to mountain gorillas and public health in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Parasitology Research, 125(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-026-08643-z