Strongyloides: One Health approach
Strongyloides stercoralis infects up to 600 million people and is listed by WHO as a neglected tropical disease. Understanding its zoonotic potential is critical, especially where humans, domestic animals, and wildlife interact. This study explores cross-species transmission of S. stercoralis and S. fuelleborni by analyzing 255 fecal samples from humans, dogs, and non-human primates (NHPs) in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic. Positive samples were detected using qPCR, and genetic diversity assessed via amplification of the 18S rDNA HVR-IV region and cox1, followed by high-throughput sequencing. Strongyloides prevalence was high in humans, dogs, and gorillas. Shared species and haplotypes indicated zoonotic transmission. S. stercoralis haplotype A dominated in humans but appeared in dogs and apes. S. fuelleborni was present in all hosts. These findings highlight the need for molecular surveillance and emphasize the role of dogs and NHPs as reservoirs, complicating efforts to control Strongyloides infections in human populations.