Molecular Characterization of Entamoeba spp. in Wild Taihangshan Macaques (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis) in China.

BACKGROUND: Entamoeba spp. is one of the most common enteric parasites of humans and animals. PURPOSE: However, little information is available regarding prevalence and genotypes of Entamoeba spp. in wild Taihangshan macaques (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis). METHODS: In the present study, a total of 458 fecal samples from wild rhesus macaque in Taihangshan mountains area between September 2015 and November 2016, were collected and examined for the presence of six Entamoeba species by PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Entamoeba spp. infection was 89.96% (412/458). Four species of Entamoeba detected in our survey were E. chattoni (88.43%), E. hartmanni (79.91%), E. coil (69.87%) and E. dispar (58.30%), and among these, 398 (84.93%) were mixed infections. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that isolates were clustered into four known genotypes. CONCLUSION: The present study firstly provides important information about the prevalence and diversity of Entamoeba species infecting wild Taihangshan macaques in China. Enough attention should be paid to monitor the potential interspecies transmission in the region.