Community Pattern of Ectoparasite and Endoparasite Fauna of Urban-Dwelling Anurans in the Southwestern Coast of Sarawak, Borneo Island, Malaysia

Abstract

Background Urbanization has greatly influenced ecological interactions, impacting both host species and their parasites. Gaining insight into the relationship between parasites and urban anurans is vital for enhancing public health awareness. This study documented parasite fauna in anurans across urban areas in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Borneo Island.

Results A total of 170 individuals of urban anurans from five families and eight species were examined for ectoparasites and endoparasites. Across 170 urban anurans, infection prevalence reached 51.2% (n = 87). Duttaphrynus melanostictus exhibited the highest parasite burden and diversity, particularly for gastrointestinal (47.8% of D. melanostictus individuals) and blood parasites (10.0%), and showed frequent coinfections. Ectoparasites were infrequent and restricted to this host. Seven out of 10 parasite species are of potential zoonotic concern.

Conclusion These results offer a baseline overview of parasite fauna in urban anurans, identifying rainfall and temperature as key environmental drivers of infection and community composition and highlighting zoonotic risks that warrant ongoing public surveillance.