Enteric parasites in free-living Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa leprosa) in contrasted areas (naturel vs polluted) from central-western of Morocco

Abstract The objective of this study is to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites in Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa leprosa collected from three contrasting environments in Morocco. Stool samples from 92 turtles were examined for parasite detection and enumeration. The identified intestinal parasites belong to helminths (Oxyurids and Ascarid) and protozoa (Entamoebidae). 27.17% of turtles were found to be infected by helminths and/or protozoan parasites. No adult form of these parasites has been detected. Oxyurid and ascarid eggs were found in individuals of populations studied from Oued Ksob (23.07% - 30.76%) and Oued Zat (34.14% - 24.39%), respectively. For protozoa, Entamoeba cysts were common in turtles in Oued Ksob (15.38%), Oued Zat (12.19%) and Oued Tensift (5.26%) localities. Oxyurid eggs showed the highest intensity at Oued Zat reaching 29.30 ± 59.59 EPG, versus 12 ± 0.38 EPG for Ascaris eggs in Oued Ksob. Entamoeba cysts were detected in lower levels with a maximum of 1.66 ± 1.50 CPG, in Oued Zat. The prevalence of turtles eliminating eggs was statistically significant between localities for different parasite groups. This study reports for the first time a parasitological characterization of gastro-intestinal parasites in wild populations of M. leprosa leprosa from contrasting environments, suggesting a relationship between turtles’ infestation and the quality of their living environment.