Genetic characterization ofStrongyloidesspp. from captive, semi-captive and wild Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in Central and East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia

Abstract

S U M M A R YOrangutans (Pongo spp.), Asia's only great apes, are threatened in their survival due to habitat loss, hunting and infections. Nematodes of the genus Strongyloides may represent a severe cause of death in wild and captive individuals. In order to better understand which Strongyloides species/subspecies infect orangutans under different conditions, larvae were isolated from fecal material collected in Indonesia from 9 captive, 2 semi-captive and 9 wild individuals, 18 captive groups of Bornean orangutans and from 1 human working with wild orangutans. Genotyping was done at the genomic rDNA locus (part of the 18S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer 1, ITS1) by sequencing amplicons. Thirty isolates, including the one from the human, could be identified as S. fuelleborni fuelleborni with 18S rRNA gene identities of 98·5-100%, with a corresponding published sequence. The ITS1 sequences could be determined for 17 of these isolates revealing a huge variability and 2 main clusters without obvious pattern with regard to attributes of the hosts. The ITS1 amplicons of 2 isolates were cloned and sequenced, revealing considerable variability indicative of mixed infections. One isolate from a captive individual was identified as S. stercoralis (18S rRNA) and showed 99% identity (ITS1) with S. stercoralis sequences from geographically distinct locations and host species. The findings are significant with regard to the zoonotic nature of these parasites and might contribute to the conservation of remaining orangutan populations.

Comparing the effectiveness of metagenomics and metabarcoding for diet analysis of a leaf‐feeding monkey (Pygathrix nemaeus)

“…This nematode has been found in Asian and African non‐human primates (Labes et al . ). We also recorded the presence of Entamoeba sp., and in particular, Entamoeba sp.…”

Molecular Testing for Clinical Diagnosis and Epidemiological Investigations of Intestinal Parasitic Infections

“…Sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene of larvae isolated from fecal material collected from orangutans and a human working with orangutans identified S. stercoralis and S. fuelleborni. The ITS1 sequences of 17 S. fuelleborni isolates showed high variability, falling into two clusters, without differentiating the orangutan and human isolates (359).…”

Treatment of disseminated Strongyloides spp. infection in an infant Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)

“…Strongyloides nematodes affect millions of people worldwide and have been reported in all great ape species and some Old World primates. [1][2][3][4][5][6] The most common species affecting great apes are Strongyloides stercoralis and Strongyloides fuelleborni. 1,4 Most infected animals and humans are asymptomatic shedders; however, immunocompromised or immunologically-naïve individuals are most likely to be affected with clinical disease that can develop into a fulminant fatal illness.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] The most common species affecting great apes are Strongyloides stercoralis and Strongyloides fuelleborni. 1,4 Most infected animals and humans are asymptomatic shedders; however, immunocompromised or immunologically-naïve individuals are most likely to be affected with clinical disease that can develop into a fulminant fatal illness. 2,3,7,8 This parasite can survive for months in the environment, and increased skin contact with infected soil substrates is a risk factor for infection.…”