Occurrence of Free-Living Amoebae in Non-Human Primate Gut.

The gut microbiome reflects health and predicts possible disease in hosts. A holistic view of this community is needed, focusing on identifying species and dissecting how species interact with their host and each other, regardless of whether their presence is beneficial, inconsequential, or detrimental. The distribution of gut-associated eukaryotes within and across non-human primates is likely driven by host behavior and ecology. To ascertain the existence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in the gut of wild and captive non-human primates, 101 stool samples were collected and submitted to culture-dependent microscopy examination and DNA sequencing. Free-living amoebae were detected in 45.4% (46/101) of fecal samples analyzed, and their morphological characteristics matched those of Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba spp., heterolobosean amoeboflagellates and fan-shaped amoebae of the family Vannellidae. Sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed that the suspected amoebae are highly homologous (99% identity and 100% query coverage) with Acanthamoeba T4 genotype and Vermamoeba vermiformis amoebae. The results showed a great diversity of amoebae in the non-human primate's microbiome, which may pose a potential risk to the health of NHPs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of free-living amoebae in non-human primates that are naturally infected. However, it is unknown whether gut-borne amoebae exploit a viable ecological niche or are simply transient residents in the gut.

Effect of desensitizing agents on dentin hypersensitivity after non-surgical periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of desensitizing agents (DA) on dentin hypersensitivity (DH) after non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA: The PICO strategy was used to include randomized clinical trials in human subjects with DH (P) after NSPT treated with DA (I) compared to those treated with placebo or control (C) to identify DH relief (O). The Cochrane guidelines and GRADE was used to classify the risk of bias and the quality of the evidence, respectively. SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Cochrane Library databases, and OpenGrey were searched on the 20th of May 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Nine studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Five meta-analyses were performed. Three meta-analyzes assessed the effectiveness of DA compared to a placebo or control in relation to pain assessment stimuli and two meta-analyzes assessed the mechanism of action of DA. For the mechanical stimulus in overall analysis, the control group presented a higher mean of pain reduction (SMD 1.03 [0.73, 1.32], p < 0.001) with very low certainty of evidence. For water (SMD -0.78 [-1.22, -0.35], p = 0.0009) and evaporative in overall analysis (SMD -1.21 [-1.79, -0.64], p < 0.001) stimuli, the DA decreased DH pain with very low and low certainty of evidence, respectively. CONCLUSION: Due to the limited quality of evidence, there is no definitive conclusion on the effectiveness of DA on DH after NSPT. Thus, further clinical studies with a low risk of bias and high-quality evidence are encouraged to reinforce the certainty of evidence on that issue. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of desensitizing agents show promise for relief of dentin hypersensitivity after non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis isolated from animals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The enteric protist Blastocystis is one of the most frequently reported parasites infecting both humans and many other animal hosts worldwide. A remarkable genetic diversity has been observed in the species, with 17 different subtypes (STs) on a molecular phylogeny based on small subunit RNA genes (SSU rDNA). Nonetheless, information regarding its distribution, diversity and zoonotic potential remains still scarce, especially in groups other than primates. In Brazil, only a few surveys limited to human isolates have so far been conducted on Blastocystis STs. The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence of Blastocystis subtypes in non-human vertebrate and invertebrate animal groups in different areas of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 334 stool samples were collected from animals representing 28 different genera. Blastocystis cultivated samples were subtyped using nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses and BLAST searches revealed six subtypes: ST5 (28.8%), ST2 (21.1%), ST1 and ST8 (19.2%), ST3 (7.7%) and ST4 (3.8%). Our findings indicate a considerable overlap between STs in humans and other animals. This highlights the importance of investigating a range of hosts for Blastocystis to understand the eco-epidemiological aspects of the parasite and its host specificity.

Prevalência de Campylobacter spp. termofílicos em primatas não humanos da espécie Macaca mulatta provenientes de centro criatório para uso como biomodelos / Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in non-human primates of the Macaca mulatta species from a breeding center for use as biomodels

Objetivo: A campilobacteriose é uma das principais doenças entéricas do mundo. Ocorre não só no homem mas também em primatas não humanos, sendo desta forma importante no monitoramento sanitário de colônias de animais provenientes de criatórios científicos. É causada por bactérias do gênero Campylobacter, cuja detecção em biotérios possibilita não só controlar a doença e prevenir sua disseminação, mas assegurar a qualidade das pesquisas que serão realizadas nestes biomodelos. Com base na importância deste isolamento, nosso objetivo foi a verificação do status sanitário de uma colônia de criação de Macaca mulatta, usando como referência a presença de Campylobacter spp. Métodos: Durante o manejo médico anual coletaram-se 52 swabs fecais de primatas não humanos adultos, o que representou um percentual de 10% da colônia total. Esse material foi submetido ao esquema de semeadura/incubação e identificação de Campylobacter sp. seguindo as recomendações de cultivo microbiológico, incluindo o isolamento, prova de Gram e testes bioquímicos. Todo o processo levou de cinco a sete dias e foi realizado em atmosfera de microaerofilia. Resultados: Em 14 indivíduos foram isoladas bactérias do gênero Campylobacter. Destes, sete eram portadores de Campylobacter coli, seis portadores de Campylobacter jejuni e em um indivíduo não foi possível definir a espécie de Campylobacter isolada. Conclusão: Apesar da baixa prevalência (27%), esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de constante monitoramento microbiológico dos primatas pertencentes à colônia, visando não só a qualidade dos animais fornecidos, mas minimizando o risco de contaminação dentro da colônia e de contágio pelos profissionais que lidam com os animais, já que o Campylobacter possui importante potencial zoonótico.

Balantidium coli and other gastrointestinal parasites in captives non-human primates of the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Parasites are agents of diarrhea in captive non-human primates (NHP). To broaden information about those etiological agents in captive animals in Brazil, gastrointestinal parasites in captive NHP were researched in nurturing Centers of Rio de Janeiro State. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from primates, of which 960 came from the Research Center (Cecal/Fiocruz) and 115 from the Primate Center (CPRJ/Inea). The study involved species of the New World (NW) primates and of the Old World (OW). RESULTS: The estimated prevalence was 56.7%, of which 91.3% presented protozoans and 7.4% presented helminths. Statistical difference between the nurturing centers occurred in the overall value of parasitosis and in the isolated frequency of Balantidium coli and Entamoeba sp., especially in the samples of OW primates living in Cecal. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated the need for implements of sanitation programs in the sites for captive primates nurturing.