Zoonotic Mansonella ozzardi in Raccoons, Costa Rica, 2019–2022

Abstract

Mansonella ozzardi, a filarioid parasite, causes human mansonellosis in the Americas. We identified raccoons (Procyon lotor) as wildlife reservoirs of M. ozzardi in Costa Rica. Noting the sympatry of free-ranging raccoons and humans, we conclude that mansonellosis is a considerable public health risk in the region.

Keywords

• Mansonella ozzardi
• raccoons
• Costa Rica
• Procyon lotor
• Central America
• nematode