Diversidade de parasitos gastrintestinais em primatas neotropicais de criadouro conservacionista situado na Amazônia maranhense, estado do Maranhão, Brasil / Gastrointestinal parasite diversity in neotropical primates from a conservation breeding site located in Amazonia Maranhense, state of Maranhão, Brazil

Estudos sobre parasitos gastrintestinais de primatas não-humanos em situação de cativeiro são importantes na rotina clínica de animais silvestres para o manejo sanitário das colônias e para evitar a disseminação de parasitos entre tratadores e animais, pois muitos destes parasitos são causadores de zoonoses. Neste contexto, objetivou-se identificar por exames coproparasitológicos instares parasitários gastrintestinais em amostras fecais de primatas neotropicais no Criadouro Conservacionista Ararajuba do Ipê, Estado do Maranhão, Brasil e identificar qual tipo de recinto (gaiola suspensa ou recinto com piso de terra) os animais se apresentaram mais parasitados. Foram analisadas 20 amostras fecais de primatas neotropicais, sendo 18 em pools e duas amostras individuais (P. monachus e S. apella), uma coleta no período seco e outra no chuvoso. Totalizando 69 primatas neotropicais de 12 espécies diferentes sob estudo. As técnicas utilizadas foram de sedimentação espontânea e flutuação e observados em microscopia de luz. Foram identificados ovos de Hymenolepidiidae, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Protospirura spp., Ascaris spp., Ancylostomatidae e oocistos de coccídeos. As gaiolas, em sua maioria, eram suspensas (0,5 m do solo) e estas não permitiam o acúmulo de fezes. Os resultados demonstram uma diversidade de parasitos gastrintestinais em primatas neotropicais em situação de...(AU)

Studies on gastrointestinal parasites of non-human primates in captivity are important in the clinic of wild animals for the sanitary management of colonies and to prevent the spread of parasites between keepers and animals, as many of these parasites are the cause of zoonoses. In this context, the objective was to identify parasitic gastrointestinal instar coproparasitological exams in fecal samples from neotropical primates at the Ararajuba de Ipê Conservation Center, Maranhão State, Brazil and to identify the type of enclosure (hanging cage or enclosure with earth floor) the animals were more parasitized. Twenty fecal samples from neotropical primates were analyzed, 18 in pools and two individual samples (P. monachus and S. apella), one in the dry season and other in the rainy season. Totaling 69 neotropical primates of 12 different species under study. The techniques used were spontaneous sedimentation and fluctuation and observed under light microscopy. Hymenolepidiidae eggs, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Protospirura spp., Ascaris spp., Ancylostomatidae and coccidian oocysts. Most cages were suspended (0.5 m from the soil) and did not allow feces to accumulate. The results demonstrate a diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in neotropical primates incaptivity. The most common parasites found in the study are not characterized as zoonotic, being important to becareful when handling closed packages and in the soil of neotropical primate enclosures.(AU)

Diversidade de parasitos gastrintestinais em primatas neotropicais de criadouro conservacionista situado na Amazônia maranhense, estado do Maranhão, Brasil / Gastrointestinal parasite diversity in neotropical primates from a conservation breeding site located in Amazonia Maranhense, state of Maranhão, Brazil

Estudos sobre parasitos gastrintestinais de primatas não-humanos em situação de cativeiro são importantes na rotina clínica de animais silvestres para o manejo sanitário das colônias e para evitar a disseminação de parasitos entre tratadores e animais, pois muitos destes parasitos são causadores de zoonoses. Neste contexto, objetivou-se identificar por exames coproparasitológicos instares parasitários gastrintestinais em amostras fecais de primatas neotropicais no Criadouro Conservacionista Ararajuba do Ipê, Estado do Maranhão, Brasil e identificar qual tipo de recinto (gaiola suspensa ou recinto com piso de terra) os animais se apresentaram mais parasitados. Foram analisadas 20 amostras fecais de primatas neotropicais, sendo 18 em pools e duas amostras individuais (P. monachus e S. apella), uma coleta no período seco e outra no chuvoso. Totalizando 69 primatas neotropicais de 12 espécies diferentes sob estudo. As técnicas utilizadas foram de sedimentação espontânea e flutuação e observados em microscopia de luz. Foram identificados ovos de Hymenolepidiidae, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Protospirura spp., Ascaris spp., Ancylostomatidae e oocistos de coccídeos. As gaiolas, em sua maioria, eram suspensas (0,5 m do solo) e estas não permitiam o acúmulo de fezes. Os resultados demonstram uma diversidade de parasitos gastrintestinais em primatas neotropicais em situação de...

Studies on gastrointestinal parasites of non-human primates in captivity are important in the clinic of wild animals for the sanitary management of colonies and to prevent the spread of parasites between keepers and animals, as many of these parasites are the cause of zoonoses. In this context, the objective was to identify parasitic gastrointestinal instar coproparasitological exams in fecal samples from neotropical primates at the Ararajuba de Ipê Conservation Center, Maranhão State, Brazil and to identify the type of enclosure (hanging cage or enclosure with earth floor) the animals were more parasitized. Twenty fecal samples from neotropical primates were analyzed, 18 in pools and two individual samples (P. monachus and S. apella), one in the dry season and other in the rainy season. Totaling 69 neotropical primates of 12 different species under study. The techniques used were spontaneous sedimentation and fluctuation and observed under light microscopy. Hymenolepidiidae eggs, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Protospirura spp., Ascaris spp., Ancylostomatidae and coccidian oocysts. Most cages were suspended (0.5 m from the soil) and did not allow feces to accumulate. The results demonstrate a diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in neotropical primates incaptivity. The most common parasites found in the study are not characterized as zoonotic, being important to becareful when handling closed packages and in the soil of neotropical primate enclosures.

Serological and molecular techniques applied for identification of Plasmodium spp. in blood samples from nonhuman primates / Técnicas sorológicas e moleculares aplicadas na identificação de Plasmodium spp. em amostras de primatas não humanos

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify Plasmodium spp. in blood samples from nonhuman primates (NHPs) in the state of Maranhão, using classical and alternative techniques for examination of human malaria. A total of 161 blood samples from NHPs were analyzed: 141 from captive animals at a Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS) and 20 from free-living animals in a private reserve. The techniques used were microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT), Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and molecular techniques (semi-nested PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and LAMP). Two serological methods (dot-ELISA and indirect ELISA) were also standardized with rhoptry protein-soluble antigen of P. falciparum and P. berghei. Trophozoite forms of Plasmodium sp. were identified on slides from five different animals. No samples were positive through RDT and LAMP. Four samples were seropositive for P. malariae through IFAT. The samples showed low reactivity to ELISA. Plasmodium sp. was detected in 34.16% (55/161) of the samples using qPCR based on the 18S rRNA gene. After sequencing, two samples showed 100% identityl to P. malariae, one showed 97% identity to Plasmodium sp. ZOOBH and one showed 99% identity to P. falciparum . PCR was shown to be the most sensitive technique for diagnosing Plasmodium in NHP samples.

Resumo Neste estudo objetivamos identificar Plasmodium spp. em amostras sangue de primatas não humanos (PNH) do estado do Maranhão, utilizando técnicas clássicas e alternativas para o exame da malária humana. Foram analisadas 161 amostras de sangue de PNH, sendo 141 de CETAS (cativeiro) e 20 de reserva particular (vida livre), utilizando microscopia, teste de diagnóstico rápido (RDT), imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) e técnicas moleculares (semi-nested PCR, PCR em tempo real quantitativo e LAMP). Dois métodos sorológicos (dot-ELISA e ELISA indireto) também foram padronizados com antígenos solúveis de roptrias de P. falciparum e P. berghei. Formas trofozoíticas de Plasmodium sp. foram identificadas em lâminas de cinco animais diferentes. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva em TDR e LAMP. Quatro amostras foram soropositivas para P. malariae na IFI. Os soros de PNH mostraram baixa reatividade pelo ELISA indireto. Plasmodium sp. foi detectado em 34,16% (55/161) das amostras utilizando a qPCR baseada no gene 18S rRNA. No sequenciamento, duas amostras mostraram identidade com P. malariae (100%), uma com Plasmodium sp. ZOOBH (97%) e uma com P. falciparum (99%). A PCR mostrou ser a técnica mais sensível para diagnósticos de Plasmodium em amostras de PNH.

Serological and molecular techniques applied for identification of Plasmodium spp. in blood samples from nonhuman primates / Técnicas sorológicas e moleculares aplicadas na identificação de Plasmodium spp. em amostras de primatas não humanos

The aim of this study was to identify Plasmodium spp. in blood samples from nonhuman primates (NHPs) in the state of Maranhão, using classical and alternative techniques for examination of human malaria. A total of 161 blood samples from NHPs were analyzed: 141 from captive animals at a Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS) and 20 from free-living animals in a private reserve. The techniques used were microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT), Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and molecular techniques (semi-nested PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and LAMP). Two serological methods (dot-ELISA and indirect ELISA) were also standardized with rhoptry protein-soluble antigen of P. falciparum and P. berghei. Trophozoite forms of Plasmodium sp. were identified on slides from five different animals. No samples were positive through RDT and LAMP. Four samples were seropositive for P. malariae through IFAT. The samples showed low reactivity to ELISA. Plasmodium sp. was detected in 34.16% (55/161) of the samples using qPCR based on the 18S rRNA gene. After sequencing, two samples showed 100% identityl to P. malariae, one showed 97% identity to Plasmodium sp. ZOOBH and one showed 99% identity to P. falciparum . PCR was shown to be the most sensitive technique for diagnosing Plasmodium in NHP samples.(AU)

Neste estudo objetivamos identificar Plasmodium spp. em amostras sangue de primatas não humanos (PNH) do estado do Maranhão, utilizando técnicas clássicas e alternativas para o exame da malária humana. Foram analisadas 161 amostras de sangue de PNH, sendo 141 de CETAS (cativeiro) e 20 de reserva particular (vida livre), utilizando microscopia, teste de diagnóstico rápido (RDT), imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) e técnicas moleculares (semi-nested PCR, PCR em tempo real quantitativo e LAMP). Dois métodos sorológicos (dot-ELISA e ELISA indireto) também foram padronizados com antígenos solúveis de roptrias de P. falciparum e P. berghei. Formas trofozoíticas de Plasmodium sp. foram identificadas em lâminas de cinco animais diferentes. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva em TDR e LAMP. Quatro amostras foram soropositivas para P. malariae na IFI. Os soros de PNH mostraram baixa reatividade pelo ELISA indireto. Plasmodium sp. foi detectado em 34,16% (55/161) das amostras utilizando a qPCR baseada no gene 18S rRNA. No sequenciamento, duas amostras mostraram identidade com P. malariae (100%), uma com Plasmodium sp. ZOOBH (97%) e uma com P. falciparum (99%). A PCR mostrou ser a técnica mais sensível para diagnósticos de Plasmodium em amostras de PNH.(AU)

Serological and molecular techniques applied for identification of Plasmodium spp. in blood samples from nonhuman primates.

The aim of this study was to identify Plasmodium spp. in blood samples from nonhuman primates (NHPs) in the state of Maranhão, using classical and alternative techniques for examination of human malaria. A total of 161 blood samples from NHPs were analyzed: 141 from captive animals at a Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS) and 20 from free-living animals in a private reserve. The techniques used were microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT), Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and molecular techniques (semi-nested PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and LAMP). Two serological methods (dot-ELISA and indirect ELISA) were also standardized with rhoptry protein-soluble antigen of P. falciparum and P. berghei. Trophozoite forms of Plasmodium sp. were identified on slides from five different animals. No samples were positive through RDT and LAMP. Four samples were seropositive for P. malariae through IFAT. The samples showed low reactivity to ELISA. Plasmodium sp. was detected in 34.16% (55/161) of the samples using qPCR based on the 18S rRNA gene. After sequencing, two samples showed 100% identityl to P. malariae, one showed 97% identity to Plasmodium sp. ZOOBH and one showed 99% identity to P. falciparum . PCR was shown to be the most sensitive technique for diagnosing Plasmodium in NHP samples.

Fossilized Mammalian Erythrocytes Associated With a Tick Reveal Ancient Piroplasms.

Ticks transmit a variety of pathogenic organisms to vertebrates, especially mammals. The fossil record of such associations is extremely rare. An engorged nymphal tick of the genus Ambylomma in Dominican amber was surrounded by erythrocytes from its mammalian host. Some of the exposed erythrocytes contained developmental stages of a hemoprotozoan resembling members of the Order Piroplasmida. The fossil piroplasm is described, its stages compared with those of extant piroplasms, and reasons provided why the mammalian host could have been a primate. The parasites were also found in the gut epithelial cells and body cavity of the fossil tick. Aside from providing the first fossil mammalian red blood cells and the first fossil intraerythrocytic hemoparasites, the present discovery shows that tick-piroplasm associations were already well established in the Tertiary. This discovery provides a timescale that can be used in future studies on the evolution of the Piroplasmida.

Prevalence of fur mites (Acari: Atopomelidae) in non-human primates of Costa Rica.

Parasites have been investigated for some New World primates; however, very little is known about ectoparasites and specifically fur mites. In this study, Alouatta palliata, Cebus capucinus, Saimiri oerstedii, and Ateles geoffroyi monkeys from different areas of Costa Rica were searched for fur mites. A total of 276 monkeys were evaluated, and 51 of them were positive for mites of the family Atopomelidae. Listrocarpus alouattae was identified on 22.3% of A. palliata; Listrocarpus capucinus on 12.8% of C. capucinus; and Listrocarpus costaricensis on 36.8% of S. oerstedii; No fur mites were found on A. geoffroyi. Sex was not considered a determinant of mite infestation, but prevalence was significantly higher in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Area for L. alouattae (p=0.01) and in the Central Pacific Conservation Area for L. capucinus (p=0.002). These primate fur mites are highly host-specific. Differences in the geographical distribution may be due to monkey behavior and history, as well as to environmental conditions.

Prevalence of fur mites (Acari: Atopomelidae) in non-human primates of Costa Rica

Parasites have been investigated for some New World primates; however, very little is known about ectoparasites and specifically fur mites. In this study, Alouatta palliata, Cebus capucinus, Saimiri oerstedii, and Ateles geoffroyi monkeys from different areas of Costa Rica were searched for fur mites. A total of 276 monkeys were evaluated, and 51 of them were positive for mites of the family Atopomelidae. Listrocarpus alouattae was identified on 22.3% of A. palliata; Listrocarpus capucinus on 12.8% of C. capucinus; and Listrocarpus costaricensis on 36.8% of S. oerstedii; No fur mites were found on A. geoffroyi. Sex was not considered a determinant of mite infestation, but prevalence was significantly higher in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Area for L. alouattae (p=0.01) and in the Central Pacific Conservation Area for L. capucinus (p=0.002). These primate fur mites are highly host-specific. Differences in the geographical distribution may be due to monkey behavior and history, as well as to environmental conditions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 353-360. Epub 2009 June 30.

Muy poco se conoce sobre los ectoparásitos, específicamente de los ácaros del pelo, de primates del Nuevo Mundo. En este estudio se buscaron ácaros del pelo en monos Alouatta palliata, Cebus capucinus, Saimiri oerstedii y Ateles geoffroyi provenientes de diferentes áreas de Costa Rica. Se evaluaron 276 monos en total y 51 de ellos se encontraron positivos por ácaros de la familia Atopomelidae. Se identificó Listrocarpus alouattae en el 22.3% de los A. palliata, Listrocarpus capucinus en el 12.8% de los C. capucinus y Listrocarpus costaricensis en el 36.8% de los S. oerstedii. El sexo no fue un determinante de la infestación por ácaros, pero la prevalencia de L. alouattae fue significativamente mayor en el Área de Conservación Cordillera Volcánica Central (p=0.01) y la de L. capucinus fue mayor en el Área de Conservación Pacífico Central (p=0.002). Estos ácaros del pelo de primates son altamente específicos en relación con su hospedero. Las diferencias en la distribución geográfica podrían deberse al comportamiento e historia de los monos, así como a las condiciones ambientales.

Studies on sporozoite-induced and chronic infections with Plasmodium fragile in Macaca mulatta and New World monkeys.

Plasmodium fragile continues to be investigated because of its biologic similarities to the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Two strains of P. fragile are available for study; one strain is able to infect mosquitoes, whereas the other strain is transmissible only by blood inoculation. The Sri Lanka strain of P. fragile was transmitted to Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, Aotus nancymaae, Aotus vociferans, and Saimiri boliviensis monkeys via sporozoites that developed to maturity only in Anopheles dirus mosquitoes. The prepatent periods ranged from 12 to 35 days for macaques and from 15 to 30 days for New World monkeys after intravenous injection of sporozoites. Eight rhesus monkeys were infected with the Nilgiri strain and followed for 482 days. Parasitemia in 6 animals persisted at relatively high density through the period of observation. Erythrocyte, hematocrit, and hemoglobin values reached their lowest levels 3 wk after infection and slowly recovered; however, the values did not approach preinfection levels as long as parasitemia persisted in the monkeys. The mean corpuscular volume and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration reached their peak and lowest values, respectively, at day 38 and then returned to the preinfection level. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin value decreased to its lowest level at day 87 and then returned to preinfection level.