Zoonotic parasites of dromedary camels: so important, so ignored

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Abstract
With a global population of about 35 million in 47 countries, dromedary camels play a crucial role in the economy of many marginal, desert areas of the world where they survive under harsh conditions. Nonetheless, there is scarce knowledge regarding camelsʼ parasite fauna which can reduce their milk and meat productions. In addition, only scattered information is available about zoonotic parasites transmitted to humansviacontamination (e.g.Cryptosporidiumspp.,Giardia duodenalis,Balantidium coli,Blastocystisspp. andEnterocytozoon bieneusi), as foodborne infections (e.g.Toxoplasma gondii,Trichinellaspp. andLinguatula serrata) or by arthropod vectors (Trypanosomaspp.). Herein, we draw attention of the scientific community and health policy-making organizations to the role camels play in the epidemiology of parasitic zoonotic diseases also in the view of an increase in their farming in desert areas worldwide.

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