A known species of parasite that affects about 600 million people worldwide is not just one worm.
New research finds there are actually three genetically distinct groups of the Trichuris trichiura whipworm. But only one appears to be transmissible between humans and other primates.
The findings are important for public health officers around the world, researchers say.
The gastrointestinal parasite mostly affects children in developing countries. It can stunt the physical and mental development of these children, affecting their ability to learn.
The research, published in the journal, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, was conducted in the rainforest of Kibale National Park in southwestern Uganda, which has one of the largest concentrations of primates in the world.
Monkeys that live there include endangered species such as the red colobus monkey, the eastern chimpanzee, and the rare l'hoest’s monkey as well as more common species, like baboons.
In all, there are 13 different species of primates within the park that lies within one of the most densely populated agricultural regions in East Africa, with a population of 300-600 people per square km.
