Prevalence of some protozoan parasites in the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)‎

Abstract EN

A total of 50 apparently healthy Egyptian tortoises were collected from five different localities in Egypt, Port Saied, Elsayeda Aesha market, Ismailia, Cairo and Giza.

Parasitological examination revealed the presence of five protozoan parasites namely, Entamoeba invadens, Cryptosporidium serpentis, Nyctotherus species, Balantidium species and Ricketssia like organism.

The prevalence of protozoan parasites in the 50 tested tortoises was ; Entamoeba invadens 8 (16 %), Cryptosporidium serpentis 48 (96 %), Nyctotherus species 50 (100 %), Balantidium species 7 (14 %) and Ricketssia like organism 3 (6 %).

The presence of Entamoeba invadens, Cryptosporidium serpentis and Balantidium species pose a threat to human being handling these pet animals, so public health awareness should be considered and regular parasitological examinations should be done.