Epidemiology and pathological ...

Epidemiology and pathological effects of gastrointestinal helminthiases in critically endangered mountain gorillas (2018-2020)

Investigator: Mgr. Klára Petrželková, Ph.D.
Number of Project: 18-24345S
Agency: Czech Science Foundation
Duration: 01. 01. 2018 - 31. 12. 2020

Our overall goal is to uncover the epidemiology and impact of strongylid and tapeworm infections on population of critically endangered mountain gorilla at Virunga in Rwanda, as recent increased fatalities among mt. gorillas have been linked to helminthiases. Project employs the combination of parasitological diagnostics and complex sampling design with state-of-the-art genomics/metagenomics and statistical analyses. Particular aims are: (i) to describe in detail the genetic diversity of communities of strongylid nematodes and cestodes and differences in pathogenicity and host specificity, (ii) to assess impact of host and environmental factors on dynamics of helminthiases, (iii) to detect temporal changes in diversity and abundance of helminth communities related to increasing population density, (iv) to assess impact of helminths on host fitness, (v) to assess patterns of helminth aggregation. Beside its scientific priority, obtained data are of key-value for targeted interventions as part of veterinary management.