Anoplocephalid tapeworms in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) inhabiting the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

A study of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif reveals that Anoplocephala gorillae is the dominant tapeworm species, with no apparent negative impact on host health. Researchers analyzed a comprehensive dataset, including adult cestodes from necropsies and fecal samples from both night nests and identified individuals, to compare prevalence and distinguish between A. gorillae and Bertiella sp. using microscopy and PCR assays. The study found significant intra-individual fluctuation in egg shedding within short periods, emphasizing the need for multiple samples for accurate wildlife health management. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear markers provided insights into the evolutionary relationships of these cestodes.

Červená, B., Prokopová, T., Cameira, R. M., Pafčo, B., Samaš, P., Romportl, D., Uwamahoro, C., Noheri, J. B., Ntwari, A. E., Bahizi, M., Nzayisenga, G., Nziza, J., Gilardi, K., Eckardt, W., Ndagijimana, F., Mudakikwa, A., Muvunyi, R., Uwingeli, P., Cranfield, M., et al. (2023). Anoplocephalid tapeworms in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) inhabiting the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Parasitology, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0031182023001178