KRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU

Dr. KRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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KBKRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU
KRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU
MMMohamed Hassani Mohamed-Djawad
Mohamed Hassani Mohamed-Djawad
LMLONGO PENDY Michel
LONGO PENDY Michel
Patrice Makouloutou NzassiPatrice Makouloutou Nzassi
Patrice Makouloutou Nzassi
FBFélicien Bangueboussa
Félicien Bangueboussa
Larson BoundengaLarson Boundenga
Larson Boundenga
Parasites and infectious diseases pose significant threats to primate populations, especially in captive non-human primates (NHPs). This study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of intestinal parasites in NHPs at the CIRMF Primatology Center. A total of 97 fecal samples were analyzed using parasitological techniques, including sodium chloride flotation and modified Baermann sedimentation methods. An overall parasite prevalence of 93.81% (91/97) was observed. Sixteen groups of parasites with zoonotic potential were identified, comprising ten genera of nematodes (Trichuris, Enterobius, Hookworm, Trichostrongylus, Mammomonogamus, Spirure, Oesophagostomum, Schistosoma, Ascaris, and Strongyloides), three genera of protists (Eimeria, Balantioides coli/Buxtonella, and Entamoeba), one genus of cestodes (Hymenolepis), and two genera of trematodes (Dicrocoelium and Paramphistomum). High prevalences were noted for Oesophagostomum spp. (83.5%), Strongyloides spp. (52.58%), and Trichostrongylus spp. (50.52%). These findings underscore the potential role of the CIRMF Primatology Center in maintaining and facilitating the transmission of intestinal parasites with high zoonotic potential. The co-existence of human and NHP parasites in shared environments, such as zoos and research facilities, emphasizes the need for a holistic, One Health approach that addresses the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. This study highlights the urgent need for collaborative strategies to mitigate the risks of zoonotic parasite transmission between NHPs and humans in captive settings.

19 November 2025 in Parasite Epidemiology and Control
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KBKRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU
KRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU
Larson BoundengaLarson Boundenga
Larson Boundenga
MMMohamed H. Mohamed-Djawad
Mohamed H. Mohamed-Djawad
NLNeil M. Longo-Pendy
Neil M. Longo-Pendy
PMPatrice Makouloutou-Nzassi
Patrice Makouloutou-Nzassi
GMGael Darren Maganga
Gael Darren Maganga
Gastrointestinal parasites represent a major constraint on the health and productivity of small ruminants worldwide. In Gabon, and particularly in Franceville, data regarding parasite diversity, prevalence, and associated risk factors remain scarce. Understanding these aspects is crucial to develop effective, targeted control strategies and to safeguard animal health and food security. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2019, covering both dry and rainy seasons in Franceville, southeastern Gabon. A total of 120 fecal samples (113 sheep and 7 goats) were collected from twelve farms representing semi-intensive and extensive husbandry systems. Samples were analyzed using flotation and sedimentation coprological techniques to identify and quantify parasite eggs and oocysts. Host and environmental data, including age, sex, physiological status, farming system, and season, were recorded. Statistical analysis included prevalence estimation, Chi-square tests for association, and linear regression models with model selection based on Akaike's Information Criterion. The overall gastrointestinal parasite prevalence of 91.7 % was observed, consistent with regional African data. Ten parasite genera were identified, encompassing nematodes, cestodes, and protozoa. The most prevalent were Oesophagostomum/Haemonchus complex (64.6 %), Eimeria spp. (53.3 %), Strongyloides spp. (42.5 %), and Trichostrongylus spp. (38.0 %). Nematodes exhibited the highest mean infection intensity (∼1577 eggs per gram), followed by protozoa and cestodes. Risk factor analysis revealed that juveniles had higher prevalence of infestation, but lower parasite loads than adults, males carried higher burdens than females, and pregnant females had significantly elevated parasite loads (∼2.5 times higher). Extensive farming was associated with increased prevalence and burden, while seasonality influenced genus-specific occurrence. Limitations included small sample size for goats and absence of molecular diagnostics. This first study in Franceville (Gabon) demonstrates a high burden and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants, with key host and environmental factors influencing infection dynamics. The findings highlight the urgent need for genus-specific, integrated control measures adapted to local husbandry and seasonal patterns, especially targeting vulnerable groups like pregnant females. Future longitudinal studies employing molecular tools are recommended to refine parasite identification and optimize intervention strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of some parasites, a One Health approach is essential to improve animal health, public health, and food security in the region.

28 February 2026 in Biology
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MMMohamed Hassani Mohamed-Djawad
Mohamed Hassani Mohamed-Djawad
NBNgoubangoye Barthelemy
Ngoubangoye Barthelemy
PNPapa Ibnou Ndiaye
Papa Ibnou Ndiaye
KBKRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU
KRISTA BRUNELLIA MAPAGHA BOUNDOUKOU
LMLONGO PENDY Michel
LONGO PENDY Michel
Larson BoundengaLarson Boundenga
Larson Boundenga
Gabon harbors one of Africa’s richest assemblages of non-human primates (NHPs), yet integrated national-scale evidence on their conservation status remains limited. To inform conservation strategies, we conducted the first nationwide assessment integrating habitat dynamics, the geographic distribution of species, and the effectiveness of the protected-area network in the country. We harmonized 300 m land-cover maps (ESA CCI 1992; Copernicus 2022), compiled 481 georeferenced occurrences, and identified concentration areas using kernel density estimation and Getis–Ord Gi* analysis. We quantified land-cover transitions with a per-pixel transition matrix and assessed protected-area capture using Monte Carlo randomization. Ten fully protected species are confirmed, including Gorilla gorilla and Pan troglodytes. Occurrences concentrate mainly in the Ogooué-Ivindo and Haut-Ogooué Provinces; ~10% of the national territory lies above the 90th kernel density percentile (≈26,700 km2), and 1.5% of cells qualify as hotspots at the 99% threshold. Primate records are strongly associated with evergreen broadleaved forests (87.9% of points), which remained persistent from 1992 to 2022 (forest-to-forest = 223,476 km2; 98.13%) with a net decline (−2571.66 km2; −1.19%). Gross losses (4046.58 km2) were mainly attributable to agricultural conversion (68.63%; χ2 = 31,525; p < 0.001). Over 90% of records fall in areas stable across 1992–2022. Protected areas (PAs) captured more occurrences (observed 40.1% vs. expected 18.47%; p < 0.001), yet gaps remain for some taxa (e.g., Allochorocebus solatus, 86% outside PAs). Overall, Gabon retains an extensive core of suitable habitat, but targeted action outside PAs and maintenance of landscape connectivity are needed to secure populations where agricultural expansion and fragmentation are intensifying.