Epidemiology and Molecular Characterisation of Entamoeba Species in Selected Non-Human Primate Populations in Tana River and Trans Nzoia Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Entamoeba, a zoonotic pathogen known to cause amoebic dysentery, infects various animals. With the increasing interactions of humans and non-human primates (NHPs), monitoring zoonotic pathogens remains essential for mitigating the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Methods: This study identified and characterised circulating Entamoeba spp in selected NHPs from different geographic locations in Kenya. Faecal samples were collected from NHPs and screened for the presence of Entamoeba spp. via microscopy and molecular techniques. Results: Entamoeba prevalence via microscopy in NHPs was reported as follows: Cercocebus galeritus (83.3%), Cercopithecus neglectus (57.9%), Colobus guereza ssp. matschiei (79.2%), Piliocolobus rufomitratus (64.0%), and Cercopithecus mitis ssp. albotorquatus (54.5%). Compared to microscopy, PCR was more sensitive in detecting Entamoeba species, and sequencing identified E. hartmanni. Conclusion: These findings establish critical baselines for zoonotic risk assessment of Entamoeba at the human-wildlife interface and underscore the need for advanced diagnostic technologies to improve the accuracy of Entamoeba detection