Microbiological Surveillance of Pathogens in Baboons and Humans in Saudi Arabia
Author Information
Author(s): Alqumber Mohammed Abdullah
Primary Institution: Albaha University
Hypothesis
Does living near hamadryas baboons increase the risk of zoonotic infections in humans?
Conclusion
The study found significant pathogen prevalence among both baboons and humans living near baboon habitats, indicating a potential public health risk.
Supporting Evidence
- 71.37% of baboons and 71.51% of humans tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus.
- 42.24% of baboons and 17.85% of humans tested positive for Blastocystis hominis.
- 40.14% of baboons and 12.6% of humans tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp.
- 37.44% of baboons and 18.57% of humans tested positive for hookworms.
- 37.34% of baboons and 17.39% of humans tested positive for Strongyloides spp.
- 36.34% of baboons and 11.18% of humans tested positive for Enterobius vermicularis.
- 29.73% of baboons and 1.86% of humans tested positive for Campylobacter spp.
Takeaway
This study looked at germs in baboons and people living nearby to see if they share diseases. It found that both groups have a lot of the same germs, which could make people sick.
Methodology
Fecal samples were collected from 999 baboons and 3996 humans, and various parasitic and bacterial pathogens were identified through microbiological analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on specific sampling locations and methods.
Limitations
The study relied on fecal samples and did not thoroughly assess shared environmental sources for pathogen transmission.
Participant Demographics
Samples included both baboons and humans from southwestern and eastern Saudi Arabia, with no age distinction for human samples.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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