MGHD 2024

Background: The interaction between humans and mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, presents a significant risk of disease transmission, particularly respiratory infections. These risks are exacerbated by the genetic similarity between humans and gorillas and the frequent contact facilitated by tourism and conservation activities. This study focused on identifying respiratory pathogens present on the masks used within the park and assessing the compliance level of facial mask-wearing in park staff, porters, and tourists. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May-June 2024 in VNP, Rwanda. Compliance level on facial mask wearing was assessed using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. Respiratory pathogens were identified in facial masks using multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction. Data collected from Park staff, porters and tourists were quantitatively analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were performed to test the association between variables and the P-value <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results: The study revealed a low compliance rate for face mask wearing, with only 48.5% complying with face mask wearing. Bivariate analysis indicated that occupation and history of respiratory tract infections (RTI) were significantly associated with compliance on mask-wearing. Multivariate analysis showed the participants over 51 years old, those with children aged above 6 years, and those with history of RTI were less likely to wear facial mask. Pathogen testing of masks identified seven different pathogens. S. pneumonia having the highest prevalence at13.3%. Conclusion: These findings highlight the necessity for targeted measures to enhance mask-wearing compliance, particularly among specific age groups and individuals with children of certain ages. Additionally, human respiratory pathogens, notably S. pneumoniae, are more prevalent among park staff and have previously caused death in mountain gorillas during outbreaks in VNP. This underscores the risk of transmission due to the genetic similarity between humans and mountain gorillas.