Prevalence of intestinal parasites in humans and domestic animals in Jirel community, Dolakha, Nepal

Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major health concerns in both humans and domestic animals. Livestock farming is one of the common livelihood practices in rural Nepal. The proximity at human and domestic animal interface increases the chances of dissemination of enteric parasites, especially those of zoonotic importance. This study was aimed at finding the parasite prevalence and risk factors in both humans and their domestic animals in Jirel community.

Materials and methods: A field survey was conducted on the Jirel ethnic people and their domestic animals in Dolakha district, where a total of 152 fresh fecal samples from humans and domestic animals (cow, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and pigeons) were collected. The feces were examined by wet mounts and concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out among the local people and owners of the domestic animals to gather sociodemographic information, awareness, and hygienic practices in relation to parasite transmission.

Results: The enteric parasite prevalence was found to be highest in goats (80.0%;12/15), followed by pigs (55.55%;5/9), cows (45.45%;6/11), chickens (11.7%;4/34), and humans (1.41%;1/71), while the fecal samples of ducks and pigeons did not contain any parasites. The only parasite identified in humans was Ascaris lumbricoides. Similarly, three genera of GI parasites (Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp, and Trichuris sp.) from goats, two genera each from cow (Eimeria sp. and Strongyloides sp.), pigs (Entamoeba sp. and A. suum), and chickens (Eimeria sp. and Ascaridia galli), were detected.

Conclusions: Based on the direct field observation, questionnaire survey and laboratory analysis, it is concluded that the Jirel community people are aware of health and hygiene; however, intervention measures are necessary to prevent parasitic infection in their domestic animals.