Balantidium coli and other gastrointestinal parasites in captives non-human primates of the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Background Parasites are agents of diarrhea in captive non‐human primates (NHP). To broaden information about those etiological agents in captive animals in Brazil, gastrointestinal parasites in captive NHP were researched in nurturing Centers of Rio de Janeiro State. Methods Fecal samples were collected from primates, of which 960 came from the Research Center (Cecal/Fiocruz) and 155 from the Primate Center (CPRJ/Inea). The study involved species of the New World (NW) primates and of the Old World (OW). Results The estimated prevalence was 56.7%, of which 91.3% presented protozoans and 7.4% presented helminths. Statistical difference between the nurturing centers occurred in the overall value of parasitosis and in the isolated frequency of Balantidium coli and Entamoeba sp., especially in the samples of OW primates living in Cecal. Conclusions These results demonstrated the need for implements of sanitation programs in the sites for captive primates nurturing.