GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN Macaca fascicularis LIVING IN TWO URBAN AREAS OF MALAYSIA

Macaca fascicularis or commonly known as long-tailed macaques, are nonhuman primates that increasingly vulnerable in becoming natural reservoirs for many microorganisms including gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, largely due to anthropogenic activities. This study was conducted detect and compare GI parasites M. found densely urbanized settings. The fecal samples of the macaques were collected at a public university campus (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi) tourist site (Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor). A total 80 collected: 50 campus, remaining from site. processed by flotation techniques include then subjected morphological analysis identify important taxonomy keys under microscopic magnification. 139 identified both locations classified into 5 phylums 17 families. Among 33 grouped 6 genus parasites. sites, three zoonotic namely Strongyloids spp., Trichostrongylus spp. Trichuris Results showed diversity index higher compared with Simpson’s Index values 0.953 0.880, respectively, while Shannon’s 3.282 2.399, respectively. research revealed there more parasite infections surroundings those Therefore, it is highly suggested authority intervention translocating elsewhere necessary avoid prolonged contact possible transmission humans, if any parasitic occur, appropriate medication such anthelmintic drugs should be readily available clinics.