Tourist hotspots could be creating new routes for parasite transmission
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Researchers from the University of Lincoln have contributed to an international study examining how interactions between people, free-roaming dogs and wildlife at urban tourist destinations may create opportunities for parasite transmission.
The study, carried out in collaboration with Tribhuvan University in Nepal, Nottingham Trent University and Keele University, focused on UNESCO-listed Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu, a popular tourist site where humans, dogs and macaques live and interact in close proximity.
Published in Parasitology, the research combined behavioral observations, parasitological analysis and visitor questionnaires to investigate how parasites may be transmitted between species in shared urban environments.
The researchers identified parasites across humans, dogs and macaques, including Entamoeba species with zoonotic potential. Macaques were found to have the greatest parasite diversity.
The findings suggest that everyday behaviors, including feeding wildlife and poor hygiene practices, may increase opportunities for parasite exposure. The study also found that infection risk may be influenced by social behavior, stress and environmental contamination, rather than physical proximity alone.
- Credit: University of Lincoln
- Credit: University of Lincoln
Dr. Laëtitia Maréchal, associate professor at the University of Lincoln and co-author of the study, said, "In busy urban tourist sites, people, pets and wildlife mix far more closely than we realize. Simple actions like feeding monkeys or standing near free-roaming animals can create unexpected opportunities for parasites to be transmitted between species.
"Our research shows how these everyday interactions in popular tourist areas can shape infection risks for both humans and animals living in the city."
The researchers say the findings highlight the importance of considering animal behavior, human activity and environmental conditions together when managing health risks in urban areas where people and animals regularly interact.
Dr. Stefano Kaburu, senior lecturer in conservation biology at Nottingham Trent University and co-author of the study, said, "With the growing expansion of urban areas, humans and domestic animals are increasingly coming into contact with wildlife. This creates conditions in which cities can become hot spots for parasite transmission across species.
"Our study showed that macaques and dogs act as important reservoirs and sentinels of parasite exposure, underlining their critical role in monitoring zoonotic disease risks. Findings also indicate that human activities, such as feeding wildlife and close contact with animals, can unintentionally increase infection risks, not only through exposure but by altering animal behavior and stress."
Publication details
Anisha K C et al, Parasite transmission risk at the urban human-dog-macaque interface, Parasitology (2026). DOI: 10.1017/s0031182026102339
Journal information: Parasitology
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Infectious diseasesCommon illnesses & PreventionPreventive medicine Provided by University of Lincoln Who's behind this story?
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