Non-invasive assessment of cortisol level and gastrointestinal parasitism in captive primates in romania

In order to ensure the welfare of captive primates, zoos should ensure optimal environmental conditions for the development of normal species behaviours, assess health, and avoid stress-generating factors. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections can have a direct influence on the health of primates, zookeepers, and visitors. The aim of this study was to investigate by cross-sectional survey the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive primates and to find out if their presence influences the level of cortisol, considered a predictor of stress. For this, samples of fresh faeces from 77 primates of different sexes, ages, and species were collected and examined. The study was conducted between March and May 2022, and the primates came from three zoos in Romania: Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, and Targu Mure.. Faecal samples were analysed using flotation methods, and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine cortisol. The total prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 35,1%, and the most frequently identified parasites were Trichuris spp. (15.6%), Capillaria spp. (10.4%), and Strongyloides spp. (14.3%). Furthermore, the prevalence of different species of parasites varied depending on the age of the primates. Cortisol values ranged from 0.05 to 500 ng/ml. The concentration of cortisol had higher values in primates in which no gastrointestinal parasites were identified, the stress being caused by environmental and social factors and not by parasitism. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites with zoonotic potential recorded in primates is a potential risk to human health.