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: Central America; Costa Rica; Mansonella ozzardi; Procyon lotor; filarioid; nematode; parasites; raccoons; zoonoses.