The impact of food provisioning on parasite infection in wild black capuchin monkeys: a network approach.

Nonhuman primates host a variety of gastrointestinal parasites that infect individuals through different transmission routes. Social contact among group members (e.g., body contact, grooming) brings the risk of parasite infection, especially when the pathogen infection is directly transmitted. Along with this, accidental provisioning (i.e., food provisioning occurring during close tourist-wildlife interactions) is also considered to increase the risk of infection, as aggregation during feeding can cause higher exposure to parasite infective stages. However, while some attention has been paid to the relationship between social behavior and parasites, the link between accidental food provisioning and characteristics of parasite infection in primates has thus far received less attention. This study examines the potential effect of accidental provisioning on patterns of inter-individual spatial association, and in turn on parasite infection risk in a wild group of black capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) in Iguazú National Park, Argentina. To do so, we simulated events of accidental provisioning via researcher-managed provisioning experiments and tested whether experimental provisioning affects the inter-individual spatial distribution within groups. In addition, we determined whether patterns of parasite infection were better predicted by naturally occurring spatial networks (i.e., spatial association during natural observations) or by provisioning spatial networks (i.e., spatial interactions during experimental provisioning). We found a significant increase in network centrality that was potentially associated with an overall increase in individual connections with other group members during experimental trials. However, when assessing the effects of natural and provisioning network metrics on parasite characteristics, we did not observe a significant effect of centrality measures (i.e., closeness and betweenness) on parasite richness and single infection by Filariopsis sp. Taken together, our findings suggest that alterations of within-group spatial networks due to accidental provisioning may have a limited influence in determining the characteristics of parasite infections in black capuchin monkeys.

Estudo coproparasitológico da espécie Cebus libidinosus (macaco-prego) / Fecal study of the species Cebus libidinosus (capuchin monkey)

Os estudos sobre parasitos gastrintestinais em primatas mantidos em cativeiros são importantes para o manejo da população de macacos e para a manutenção da saúde das pessoas que trabalham com esses animais, pois muitos desses parasitos são potentes causadores de zoonoses. Este trabalho objetivou estudar os parasitas presentes nas fezes da espécie Cebus libidinosus, criada em cativeiro. Foram utilizados 22 animais apreendidos pelo Ibama-PI, Ibama-PB e Cipama (Companhia Independente de Policiamento Ambiental do Piauí), no período de 2007 a 2009, que faziam parte do Projeto de Soltura Experimental em Ilhas Lacustres de Espécies do Gênero Cebus sp., do Ibama-PI. Foram encontrados parasitas do gênero Ancylostoma em 45% (10/22) das amostras e do gênero Strongyloides em 23% (05/22). No método de Willis (1921) e no método de Hoffman, o Ancylostoma sp. estava presente em 41% (09/22) e o Strongyloides sp. em 18% (04/22) das amostras. A coprocultura revelou a presença de larva do gênero Ancylostoma em 50% dos grupos estudados. A espécie Cebus libidinosus revelou-se parasitada por helmintos gastrintestinais dos gêneros Ancylostoma e Strongyloide.(AU)

The studies of gastrointestinal parasites in primates kept in captivity are important for managing the population of monkeys and to maintain the health of people who work with these animals, as many of these parasites are potent causes of zoonosis. The study investigated the parasites present in the feces of Cebus libidinosus species bred in captivity. 22 animals were seized by IBAMA-PI, IBAMA-PB and CIPAMA (Independent Company of Piaui Environmental Policing) from 2007 to 2009. Hookworm parasites of the genus were found in 45% (10/22) of samples and gender Strongiloyde in 23% (22/05) in the Willis method (1921) and Hoffman method Ancylostoma sp. I was present in 41% (09/22) and Strongyloides sp. 18% (04/22) of the samples. A stool culture revealed the presence of hookworm larvae of the genus in 50% of the groups studied. The species Cebus libidinosus proved to be parasitized by gastrointestinal helminths of Ancylostoma and Strongyloides genres.(AU)

Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) from an ecological station in the State of São Paulo, Brazil / Frequência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em macacos-prego (Cebus apella nigritus) de estação ecológica localizada no Estado de São Paulo

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite protozoan. A large percentage of animals presents specific antibodies caused by a previous exposition, resulting in a chronic infection. Felides are the definitive hosts and the other warm-blooded animals, including primates, are the intermediate hosts. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in free-living tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) from an ecological station located on Mata de Santa Teresa, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. T. gondii antibodies were analyzed by modified agglutination test (MAT) in serum samples of 36 tufted capuchin monkeys, considering eight as cut-off titer. From the studied animals, 3/36 (8.33%; CI95% 3.0-21.9%) presented T. gondii antibodies, all with titer 32. No significative difference was observed relating to the sex (1/3 male and 2/3 female), and to the age (1/3 young and 2/3 adult) (P>0.05). Thus, these results demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies in primates from São Paulo state.

A toxoplasmose é uma das zoonoses mais difundidas no mundo, causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, um protozoário parasita intracelular obrigatório. Uma alta porcentagem de animais apresenta anticorpos específicos causados por exposição prévia, levando a uma infecção crônica. Os felídeos são os hospedeiros definitivos e outros animais homeotérmicos, incluindo os primatas, são os hospedeiros intermediários. Este estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência da infecção por T. gondii em macacos-prego (Cebus apella nigritus) de vida livre da Estação Ecológica localizada na Mata de Santa Teresa, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. Anticorpos anti-T. gondii foram pesquisados pelo método de aglutinação direta modificada (MAT) em amostras de soro de 36 macacos-prego, utilizando-se o título oito como de corte. Dos animais estudados, 3/36 (8,33%; IC95% 3,0-21,9%) apresentaram anticorpos anti-T. gondii, todos com título 32. Nenhuma diferença significativa (P>0,05) foi observada com relação ao sexo (1/3 machos e 2/3 fêmeas), e à idade (1/3 jovens e 2/3 adultos). Assim, estes resultados demonstram alta prevalência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em primatas no estado de São Paulo.

Susceptibility of Cebus apella monkey (Primates: Cebidae) to experimental Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection.

In Amazonian Brazil, the Cebus apella monkey (Primates: Cebidae) has been associated with the enzootic cycle of Leishmania (V.) shawi, a dermotropic parasite causing American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). It has also been successfully used as animal model for studying cutaneous leishmaniasis. In this work, there has been investigated its susceptibility to experimental Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection, the etiologic agent of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). There were used ten C. apella specimens, eight adult and two young, four males and six females, all born and raised in captivity. Two experimental infection protocols were performed: i) six monkeys were inoculated, intra-dermal via (ID), into the base of the tail with 2 x 10(6) promastigotes forms from the stationary phase culture medium; ii) other four monkeys were inoculated with 3 x 10(7) amastigotes forms from the visceral infection of infected hamsters by two different via: a) two by intravenous via (IV) and, b) other two by intra-peritoneal via (IP). The parameters of infection evaluation included: a) clinical: physical exam of abdomen, weigh and body temperature; b) parasitological: needle aspiration of the bone-marrow for searching of amastigotes (Giemsa-stained smears) and promastigotes forms (culture medium); c) immunological: Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and, Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). In the six monkeys ID inoculated (promastigotes forms) all parameters of infection evaluation were negative during the 12 months period of follow-up. Among the four monkeys inoculated with amastigotes forms, two IV inoculated showed the parasite in the bone-marrow from the first toward to the sixth month p.i. and following that they cleared the infection, whereas the other two IP inoculated were totally negative. These four monkeys showed specific IgG-antibody response since the third month p.i. (IP: 1/80 and IV: 1/320 IgG) toward to the 12th month (IP: 1/160 and IV: 1/5120). The DTH-conversion occurred in only one IV inoculated monkey with a strong (30 mm) skin reaction. Considering these results, we do not encourage the use of C. apella monkey as animal model for studying the AVL.

Susceptibility of Cebus apella monkey (Primates: Cebidae) to experimental Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection / Susceptibilidade do macaco Cebus apella (Primata: Cebidae) à infecção experimental por Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi

In Amazonian Brazil, the Cebus apella monkey (Primates: Cebidae) has been associated with the enzootic cycle of Leishmania (V.) shawi, a dermotropic parasite causing American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). It has also been successfully used as animal model for studying cutaneous leishmaniasis. In this work, there has been investigated its susceptibility to experimental Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection, the etiologic agent of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). There were used ten C. apella specimens, eight adult and two young, four males and six females, all born and raised in captivity. Two experimental infection protocols were performed: i) six monkeys were inoculated, intra-dermal via (ID), into the base of the tail with 2 x 10(6) promastigotes forms from the stationary phase culture medium; ii) other four monkeys were inoculated with 3 x 10(7) amastigotes forms from the visceral infection of infected hamsters by two different via: a) two by intravenous via (IV) and, b) other two by intra-peritoneal via (IP). The parameters of infection evaluation included: a) clinical: physical exam of abdomen, weigh and body temperature; b) parasitological: needle aspiration of the bone-marrow for searching of amastigotes (Giemsa-stained smears) and promastigotes forms (culture medium); c) immunological: Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and, Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). In the six monkeys ID inoculated (promastigotes forms) all parameters of infection evaluation were negative during the 12 months period of follow-up. Among the four monkeys inoculated with amastigotes forms, two IV inoculated showed the parasite in the bone-marrow from the first toward to the sixth month p.i. and following that they cleared the infection, whereas the other two IP inoculated were totally negative. These four monkeys showed specific IgG-antibody response since the third month p.i. (IP: 1/80 and IV: 1/320 IgG) toward to the 12th month (IP: 1/160 and IV: 1/5120). The DTH-conversion occurred in only one IV inoculated monkey with a strong (30 mm) skin reaction. Considering these results, we do not encourage the use of C. apella monkey as animal model for studying the AVL.

Na Amazônia Brasileira, o macaco Cebus apella (Primata: Cebidae) tem sido associado com o ciclo enzoótico da Leishmania (V.) shawi, um parasito dermotrópico causador da Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA). Ele tem sido também empregado com sucesso como modelo experimental para estudo da leishmaniose tegumentar. Neste trabalho, foi investigada sua susceptibilidade à infecção experimental por Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, o agente etiológico da Leishmaniose Visceral Americana (LVA). Foram usados dez espécimes de C. apella oito adultos e dois jovens, quatro machos e seis fêmeas, todos nascidos e criados em cativeiro. Dois protocolos de infecção experimental foram feitos: i) seis macacos foram inoculados por via intradérmica (ID), na base da cauda com 2x10(6) formas promastigotas em fase estacionária de crescimento; ii) outros quatro macacos foram inoculados com 3x10(7) formas amastigotas de infecção visceral de hamsteres por duas vias diferentes: a) dois por via intravenosa (IV) e, b) outros dois pela via intraperitoneal (IP). A avaliação da infecção incluiu parâmetros: clínico: exame físico do abdômen, peso e temperatura corporal; b) parasitológico: aspirado de medula óssea por agulha para procura de amastigotas (esfregaço corado por Giemsa) e formas promastigotas (meio de cultura); c) imunológico: Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e, resposta de hipersensibilidade tardia (DTH). Nos seis macacos inoculados ID (formas promastigotas) todos os parâmetros de avaliação da infecção foram negativos durante o período de 12 meses. Entre os quatro macacos inoculados com formas amastigotas, dois inoculados IV mostraram parasitos na medula óssea do primeiro ao sexto mês p.i. e em seguida houve a resolução da infecção, no entanto os outros dois inoculados IP foram totalmente negativos. Esses quatro macacos apresentaram resposta específica de anticorpo IgG desde o terceiro mês p.i. (IP: 1/80 e IV: 1/320) até o décimo segundo mês (IP: 1/160 e IV: 1/5120). A conversão DTH ocorreu em apenas um macaco inoculado IV com uma forte reação na pele (30 mm). Considerando esses resultados, nós não recomendamos o uso do macaco C. apella como modelo animal para estudo da LVA.

Parasitosis intestinal en monos capuchinos cariblancos Cebus capucinus (Primates: Cebidae) de un área protegida en la provincia de Limón, noreste de Costa Rica

Intestinal parasites in white-faced capuchin monkeys Cebus capucinus Primates: Cebidae) inhabiting a protected area in the Limón province of Northeastern Costa Rica. Deforestation of tropical forests is threatening monkey biodiversity and their health status, dependent of an ecologically undisturbed area. To asses this relationship, we analyzed parasite occurrence in their intestines. The study was conducted at the Estación Biológica La Suerte (EBLS), Limón, Costa Rica. The group of white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) was observed between March and December of 2006. A total of 75 feces samples were obtained. Once a sample was collected, the eaten plant type was identified to family and species level, and feces were processed in the laboratory to determine parasite incidence. Results showed that Moraceae was the most represented family in the samples. Among parasites, Strongyloides spp. and Acanthocephala were the most common. Positive prevalence of parasites was found similar and independent of sex and age of capuchin individuals. Microsporids were mainly reported in feces associated with Piperaceae. A low presence of these parasites was found in samples associated with Myrtaceae, with possible anti-parasite active components. The occurrence of parasites was relatively high in EBLS, when compared to other regions in Costa Rica. The higher occurrence of parasites observed in capuchins at EBLS may be due to the fact that this rain forest is surrounded by areas affected by human activities. We suggest the promotion of research in neotropical primates parasitology, for a better comprehension of the parasite-host relationship, and in a long term, being able to understand the ecosystems where they coexist, and consequently, preserve the biodiversity of the whole region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1335-1346. Epub 2010 December 01.

La deforestación de bosques tropicales está amenazando la biodiversidad de las especies de primates y su estado de salud, dependiente de un lugar ecológicamente equilibrado. Con el fin de evaluar esta relación, se analizó la presencia de parásitos en los intestinos de esta especie. El estudio se realizó en la Estación Biológica La Suerte (EBLS), Limón, Costa Rica. El grupo de monos capuchinos cariblancos (Cebus capucinus) fue observado entre marzo y diciembre de 2006. Se recolectaron 75 muestras de heces a las que se les identificó las plantas ingeridas, y se procesaron en el laboratorio para evaluar la prevalencia de parásitos. Moraceae fue la familia de plantas más reportada. Strongyloides spp. y acantocéfalos fueron los más comunes. La distribución positiva de las mismas fue similar independientemente del sexo y la edad. Microsporidios se reportaron mayoritariamente en heces asociadas con la familia Piperaceae. Fue encontrada una baja existencia de éstos parásitos en muestras asociadas con Myrtaceae en cuyo género Psidium, se han reportado compuestos activos antiparasitarios. La aparición de parásitos fue relativamente mayor en la EBLS, comparado con muestras de otras regiones más secas de Costa Rica. Por lo tanto, esa expresión parasitaria puede deberse al hecho de ser la EBLS una selva lluviosa, además de estar rodeada por zonas con actividades antrópicas. Se sugiere incrementar las investigaciones de parasitología de campo en primates neotropicales con el fin de entender plenamente las relaciones parásitos-hospederos, para en un largo plazo poder comprender los ecosistemas donde conviven, y en consecuencia, preservar la diversidad biológica.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in experimentally and naturally infected non-human primates by Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA) and indirect ELISA.

The Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA) and the indirect ELISA were comparatively used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally and naturally infected primates. In the experimentally infected group, antibodies of diagnostic value were detected at day 9 post-infection (PI) with the IFA (IgG and IgM) and with IgG-ELISA. IgM-ELISA detected antibodies for T. gondii starting at day 3 PI until the end of the experiment (102 days PI). Of the 209 naturally infected sera tested, from many zoos of State of Sao Paulo, 64.59 and 67.94% were positive in the IgG-IFA test and IgG-ELISA respectively. IgM-ELISA test detected seropositivity in 52.63% of the sera although IgM-IFA test detected it in only in 0.96% of the samples. The differential toxoplasmosis diagnosis was accomplished with Neospora caninum by IFA, observing 61 (29.2%) seropositive animals for this parasite and 149 (70.8%) negative. Sixty animals were positive for both T. gondii and N. caninum. Pneumonia, splenomegaly, and intestinal ulcers were macroscopically observed. Unremarkable interstitial pneumonia, enteritis, colitis, splenitis, and glomerulitis were microscopically observed. The immunohistochemical stain could not detect the presence of T. gondii in the tissues of the animals infected experimentally.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in experimentally and naturally infected non-human primates by Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA) and indirect ELISA / Detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii por meio das técnicas de Imunofluorescência Indireta e ELISA Indireto em primatas experimentalmente e naturalmente infectados

The Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA) and the indirect ELISA were comparatively used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally and naturally infected primates. In the experimentally infected group, antibodies of diagnostic value were detected at day 9 post-infection (PI) with the IFA (IgG and IgM) and with IgG-ELISA. IgM-ELISA detected antibodies for T. gondii starting at day 3 PI until the end of the experiment (102 days PI). Of the 209 naturally infected sera tested, from many zoos of State of Sao Paulo, 64.59 and 67.94 percent were positive in the IgG-IFA test and IgG-ELISA respectively. IgM-ELISA test detected seropositivity in 52.63 percent of the sera although IgM-IFA test detected it in only in 0.96 percent of the samples. The differential toxoplasmosis diagnosis was accomplished with Neospora caninum by IFA, observing 61 (29.2 percent) seropositive animals for this parasite and 149 (70.8 percent) negative. Sixty animals were positive for both T. gondii and N. caninum. Pneumonia, splenomegaly, and intestinal ulcers were macroscopically observed. Unremarkable interstitial pneumonia, enteritis, colitis, splenitis, and glomerulitis were microscopically observed. The immunohistochemical stain could not detect the presence of T. gondii in the tissues of the animals infected experimentally.

Detectou-se anticorpos das classes IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii em primatas experimentalmente e naturalmente infectados, utilizando-se como técnicas comparativas a RIFI e o ELISA-teste. No grupo dos primatas experimentalmente infectados, anticorpos de valor diagnóstico foram detectados a partir do 9º dia de infecção tanto na RIFI (IgG e IgM) como no ELISA-IgG. O ELISA IgM detectou anticorpos a partir do 3º dia de infecção até o final do experimento (102 dias pós-infecção). Dos 209 soros dos primatas naturalmente infectados, de diversos zoológicos do Estado de São Paulo, 64,59 e 67,94 por cento mostraram-se positivos na RIFI-IgG e no ELISA-IgG, respectivamente. O ELISA-IgM detectou soropositividade em 52,63 por cento dos soros ao passo que a RIFI-IgM detectou apenas 0,96 por cento. Foi realizado também diagnóstico diferencial para Neospora caninum, através da RIFI, observando-se 61 (29,2 por cento) animais soropositivos para este parasita e 149 (70,8 por cento) animais negativos. Sessenta animais foram positivos para T. gondii e N. caninum. Pneumonia, esplenomegalia e úlceras intestinais foram observadas macroscopicamente. Pneumonia intersticial, enterite, colite, esplenite e glomerulite foram os achados microscópicos. A imunoistoquímica não revelou a presença do T. gondii nos tecidos dos animais experimentalmente infectados.

[Intestinal parasites in white-faced capuchin monkeys Cebus capucinus (Primates: Cebidae) inhabiting a protected area in the Limón province of Northeastern Costa Rica]. / Parasitosis intestinal en monos capuchinos cariblancos Cebus capucinus (Primates: Cebidae) de un área protegida en la provincia de Limón, noreste de Costa Rica.

Deforestation of tropical forests is threatening monkey biodiversity and their health status, dependent of an ecologically undisturbed area. To asses this relationship, we analyzed parasite occurrence in their intestines. The study was conducted at the Estación Biológica La Suerte (EBLS), Limón, Costa Rica. The group of white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) was observed between March and December of 2006. A total of 75 feces samples were obtained. Once a sample was collected, the eaten plant type was identified to family and species level, and feces were processed in the laboratory to determine parasite incidence. Results showed that Moraceae was the most represented family in the samples. Among parasites, Strongyloides spp. and Acanthocephala were the most common. Positive prevalence of parasites was found similar and independent of sex and age of capuchin individuals. Microsporids were mainly reported in feces associated with Piperaceae. A low presence of these parasites was found in samples associated with Myrtaceae, with possible anti-parasite active components. The occurrence of parasites was relatively high in EBLS, when compared to other regions in Costa Rica. The higher occurrence of parasites observed in capuchins at EBLS may be due to the fact that this rain forest is surrounded by areas affected by human activities. We suggest the promotion of research in neotropical primates parasitology, for a better comprehension of the parasite-host relationship, and in a long term, being able to understand the ecosystems where they coexist, and consequently, preserve the biodiversity of the whole region.

Benzoquinones from millipedes deter mosquitoes and elicit self-anointing in capuchin monkeys (Cebus spp.).

Neotropical monkeys of the genus Cebus anoint themselves by rubbing arthropods and plants against their pelage. A recent study has shown that free-ranging wedge-capped capuchin monkeys (C. olivaceus) in Venezuela self-anoint with a benzoquinone-secreting millipede, an activity by which they are hypothesized to appropriate chemical deterrents of mosquitoes. To evaluate the plausibility of this hypothesis, female yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) were presented with two millipede secretory compounds, 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, on nylon-reinforced silicone membranes placed over wells filled with human blood, a highly preferred food. Mosquitoes exhibited fewer landings, fed less frequently, and flew more frequently (a possible indication of repellency) in the presence of membranes treated with benzoquinones than with controls. These compounds also elicit self-anointing in captive male and female tufted (C. apella) and white-faced (C. capucinus) capuchin monkeys.

Cebus apella (Primata: Cebidae) as a new host for Fonsecalges johnjadini (Acari: Psoroptidae, Cebalginae) with a description of anatomopathological aspects.

Mites collected from the auditory canal of Cebus apella (capuchin monkey), family Cebidae, were identified as Fonsecalges johnjadini (Psoroptidae, Cebalginae). It is the first record of this parasite from this monkey. This paper emphasizes the importance of clinical and anatomopathological examinations for parasitic diagnosis in wild animals.

Cebus apella (Primata: Cebidae) as a new host for Fonsecalges johnjadini (Acari: Psoroptidae, Cebalginae) with a description of anatomopathological aspects

Mites collected from the auditory canal of Cebus apella (capuchin monkey), family Cebidae, were identified as Fonsecalges johnjadini (Psoroptidae, Cebalginae). It is the first record of this parasite from this monkey. This paper emphasizes the importance of clinical and anatomopathological examinations for parasitic diagnosis in wild animals

Molineus torulosus (Nematoda, Trichostrongylina, Molineoidea) a parasite of Neotropical primates: new morphological and histological data.

Molineus torulosus (Molin, 1861) parasite of Cebus spp. from South America is redescribed in Cebus apella and C. olivecaeus (new host) from French Guyana with emphasis on the synlophe. During the maturation process, the larvae dwelt in the cysts carved alongside the external part of the small intestine. The turn-out of the mature worms and the laid eggs depended on the tissular organisation of cyst walls as the inflammatory process waned and fibrosis progressed to seal the cystic lumen. Adult worms entwine themselves in the cysts, live there permanently as their presence has never been evidenced in the intestinal lumen. They copulated, laid eggs, degenerated and died once entrapped by the fibrotic process. Laid eggs released in the intestinal lumen through a narrow channel ensured the continuation of the developmental cycle. However, erratic migration was possible via the vascular channels surrounding the cysts.

Chronic experimental infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in Cebus apella monkeys

Twenty young male Cebus apella monkeys were infected with CAl Trypanosoma cruzi strain and reinfected with CA l or Tulahuen T.cruzi strains, with different doses and parasite source. Subpatent parasitemia was usually demonstrated in acute and chronic phases. Patent parasitemia was evident in one monkey in the acute phase and in four of them in the chronic phase after re-inoculations with high doses of CAl strain. Serological conversion was observed in all monkeys; titers were low, regardless of the methods used to investigate anti-T. cruzi specific antibodies. Higher titers were induced only when re-inoculations were perfomed with the virulent Tulahuén strain or high doses of CAl strain. Clinical electrocardiographic and ajmaline test evaluations did not reveal changes between infected and control monkeys. Histopathologically, cardiac lesions were always characterized by focal or multifocal mononuclear infiltrates and/or isolated fibrosis, as seen during the acute and chronic phases; neither amastigote nests nor active inflammation and fibrogenic processes characteristic of human acute and chronic myocarditis respectively, were observed. These morphological aspects more closely resemble those found in the "indeterminate phase" and contrast with the more diffuse and progressive pattern of the human chagasic myocarditis. All monkeys survived and no mortality was observed.

Chronic experimental infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in Cebus apella monkeys.

Twenty young male Cebus apella monkeys were infected with CA1 Trypanosoma cruzi strain and reinfected with CA1 or Tulahuen T. cruzi strains, with different doses and parasite source. Subpatent parasitemia was usually demonstrated in acute and chronic phases. Patent parasitemia was evident in one monkey in the acute phase and in four of them in the chronic phase after re-inoculations with high doses of CA1 strain. Serological conversion was observed in all monkeys; titers were low, regardless of the methods used to investigate anti-T. cruzi specific antibodies. Higher titers were induced only when re-inoculations were performed with the virulent Tulahuén strain or high doses of CA1 strain. Clinical, electrocardiographic and ajmaline test evaluations did not reveal changes between infected and control monkeys. Histopathologically, cardiac lesions were always characterized by focal or multifocal mononuclear infiltrates and/or isolated fibrosis, as seen during the acute and chronic phases; neither amastigote nests nor active inflammation and fibrogenic processes characteristic of human acute and chronic myocarditis respectively, were observed. These morphological aspects more closely resemble those found in the "indeterminate phase" and contrast with the more diffuse and progressive pattern of the human chagasic chronic myocarditis. All monkeys survived and no mortality was observed.

Intestinal capillariasis in New World monkeys.

Two cases of intestinal capillariasis have been identified at necropsy in a squirrel monkey and a capuchin monkey born and raised in captivity. The parasites are described as far as possible from the histopathological slides or intestinal contents, and their relationship to other intestinal capillarids, especially those of primates, is discussed.

Exfoliative colpocytology: a method for the diagnosis of Capuchin monkey filariasis?

During vaginal fluid examinations (Papanicolaou) to study the physiological sexual cycle of Cebus sp., abundant Dipetalonema gracile microfilariae (110-160 microns x 4-5 microns, without a sheath) were encountered in the genital fluid, but not in peripheral blood. Considering the great difficulty in diagnosing this obscure parasitosis, exfoliative colpocytology was found to be an efficient diagnostic.

Infecçäo experimental de macacos Cebus apella sp pelo Trypanosoma cruzi: avaliaçäo clínica, eletrocardiográfica e anatomopatológica / The experimental infection of Cebus apella sp by Trypanosoma cruzi: its clinical electrocardiography and anatomopathological assessment

Dos trinta e dois macacos capturados no interior do Estado de Säo Paulo e mantidos em laboratório em gaiolas individuais (24 a 25 Cº e 70 por cento de umidificaçäo) após vários xenodiagnósticos negativos, 12 foram infectados por via intraperitoneal com diferentes cepas de Trypanosoma cruzi, cujas formas tripomastigotas injetadas variaram de 1.10**5 a 5.10**6. Os 20 macacos restantes foram mantidos como controle. No período de 1 a 6 anos tanto animais inoculados como os näo inoculados, foram submetidos a xenodiagnóstico e teste sorológico de aglutinaçäo direta, exame clínico e o eletrocardiograma. Posteriormente os macacos foram necropsiados e todos os órgäos submetidos a exame macro e microscópico. O exame clínicos e o eletrocardiograma näo revelaram alteraçöes. Dos 12 macaços infectados, 4 apresentaram evidências de infecçäo ao exame histopatológico: um com formas amastigotas nos tecidos e 3 com miocardite crônica de grau leve. A parasitemia foi comprovada em 66,66 por cento dos animais na fase aguda e a sorologia em 91,66 por cento na fase crônica. Conclui-se que os macacos Cebus näo expressaram suscepitibilidade ao desenvolvimento das lesöes que caracterizam a fase crônica da doença de Chagas mas poderiam ser usados para manter as cepas de T. cruzi e estudos de pesquisa sorológico a longo termo

[The experimental infection of Cebus apella sp. monkeys with Trypanosoma cruzi. Its clinical, electrocardiographic and anatomicopathological assessment]. / Infecção experimental de macacos Cebus apella sp. pelo Trypanosoma cruzi. Avaliaçao clínica, eletrocardiográfica e anatomopatológica.

Thirty-two monkeys were captured and adapted to laboratory conditions captives isolated. They were submitted to multiple xenodiagnosis which were negative. Twelve were infected intraperitoneally with different strains of T. cruzi (1.10(5) to 5.10(6)). Twenty were the control group. Between on to six years both the control group and the infected monkeys, were submitted to xenodiagnosis, serological testing clinical examination and electrocardiography. The clinical examination and the electrocardiogram were always normal. The monkey were autopsied and histological examination detected in the infected group four monkeys with evidence of disease: one with parasites in the tissue and three with chronic myocarditis. Parasitaemia was in 66.66% of the monkeys in the acute phase and the serology was positive in 91.66% in the chronic phase. The authors concluded that Cebus monkeys were not susceptible to the development of the disease but they could be utilized to maintain of such strains and studies of serological research in long-terms infections.

Efficacy of niclosamide as a potential antipenetrant (TAP) against cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni monkeys

A 1% (W/V) formulation of Niclosamide (2', 5-Dichloro-4-nitrosalicylanilide) (TAP) was tested on Cebus apella monkeys as a topical prophylatic against schistosomiasis mansoni. Two experiments were conducted using the same formulation. In the first experiment, the TAP provided complete protection against schistosomiasis for 3 days. Of the 4 monkeys treated with TAP 7 days before exposure to Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, 2 were completely protected. The remaining 2 monkeys of the 7 day treatment group had a 78% or greater reduction in adult worm buderns when compared to the placebo treated monkeys. The second experiment was designed determine the time between day 3 and 7 when the TAP no longer provided complete protection. However, all of the TAP treated monkeys in this experiment were completely protected, even the monkeys treated 7 days earlier. In both experiments, all monkeys used as infection controls and those receiving only the placebo became infected and showed typical experimental schistosomiasis. These results demonstrate that the TAP could provide fast acting, short-term protection to people who must enter cercariae infested water