Detection of echinostomatid trematode eggs at the forest-oil palm interface in Sabah, Malaysia.

Abstract

In this study, we report the occurrence of echinostomatid eggs in feces of wildlife, domestic animals and humans frequenting the forest–oil palm plantation interface in the Kinabatangan (Sabah, Malaysia), and discuss potential implications for public health. Using microscopy, we detected echinostomatid eggs in six host species, including Asian palm civets ([13/18]), leopard cats ([3/4]), long-tailed macaques ([1/10]), domestic dogs [3/5] and cats [1/1], and humans [7/9]. Molecular analysis revealed a close genetic proximity of civet echinostomatids to, a zoonotic parasite of public health relevance. The intermediate hosts forhave been reported in at least 3 districts in Sabah, suggesting that all the necessary elements required for the completion of the parasite's life cycle are present. Our findings point at the presence of zoonotic trematodes in an area with high human–wildlife interaction and highlight the potential public and animal health concern of zoonotic trematode infection in the context of Southeast Asia's rapidly changing ecosystems.