New host and geographic range expansion of Lemuricola nycticebi in the Bengal slow loris

Abstract

PurposeThe Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) is a globally Endangered nocturnal primate with limited health data across its South and Southeast Asian range. MethodsDuring necropsies of two deceased individuals from northeastern Bangladesh, numerous live adult pinworms were recovered. ResultsMorphological examination combined with mitochondrial cox1 gene sequencing identified the parasites as Lemuricola (Protenterobius) nycticebi. Both hosts exhibited severe gastrointestinal and peritoneal lesions consistent with high-intensity helminth infection. This represents the first confirmed record of L. nycticebi in the Bengal slow loris and extends the parasites known geographic range by approximately 3,400 km. ConclusionOur findings highlight an overlooked parasitic threat to slow lorises. Given that many Bengal slow lorises are rescued or confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade and forest-edge areas in Bangladesh every year and subsequently released into the wild, the results underscore the need for systematic health assessments, including parasitic screening, before repatriation into the wild.