Leishmania infantum and other zoonotic pathogens associated with captive lemurs (Lemur catta) in southern Italy

Safari-style zoological collections, particularly walk-in enclosures, offer visitors the unique experience of a close interaction with wildlife. However, these interactions can increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic infectious agents. In this study, we assessed the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in ring-tailed lemurs (<i>Lemur catta</i>), as well as the presence of <i>Leishmania</i> spp. in phlebotomine sand flies collected in the same zoological park (Fasano, southern Italy). Blood (<i>n</i> = 30), feces (<i>n</i> = 29), and sand flies were collected and analyzed using molecular and serological techniques. In addition, copro-parasitological analysis was performed on fecal samples. Two lemurs tested seropositive for <i>L. infantum</i> using SNAP<i>®</i> Leish 4Dx® (<i>n</i> = 2/30 [6.67 %; 95 % CI: 1.85-21.34]), with one also confirmed positive by qPCR. Sand flies were morphologically identified as <i>Phlebotomus perniciosus</i> (<i>n =</i> 71) and <i>Sergentomyia minuta</i> (<i>n =</i> 1), with one <i>P. perniciosus</i> female positive for <i>L. infantum</i> by qPCR. Fecal samples scored positive at molecular analysis for <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> (assemblage B, sub-assemblage BIV) (<i>n</i> = 13/29 [44.83 %; 95 % CI: 27.63-63.09]; <i>n</i> = 2/29 [6.90 %; 95 % CI: 1.91-22.57]), respectively), <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. (subtype 8) (<i>n</i> = 2/29 [6.90 %; 95 % CI: 1.91-22.57]), and <i>Entamoeba coli</i> (<i>n</i> = 8/29 [27.59 %; 95 % CI: 14.59-45.96]). The detection of <i>L. infantum</i> in lemurs and <i>P. perniciosus</i> suggests that in areas where <i>L. infantum</i> is endemic this animal species may be infected, also demonstrating that SNAP<i>®</i> Leish 4Dx® is effective for screening <i>L. infantum</i> in zoological settings. The identification of <i>G. duodenalis</i> (assemblage BIV), and <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. (ST8) raises concerns about contamination in enclosures, water, and food sources, overall highlighting the importance of sanitary protocols to avoid the risk of infection among animals, zookeepers and visitors.