Natural mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in Brazil.

Neotropical primates rarely exhibit active tuberculosis. A brown howler monkey was found injured in an urban area. Histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes, and liver. Immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The findings highlight the importance of TB surveillance in nonhuman primates.

Proyecto Titi: Teaching children that cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are not appropriate pets.

Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are a critically endangered species found only in Colombia. Their survival is threatened by extensive habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. Because many people in Colombia have a low level of awareness of cotton-top tamarins and even less understanding of the impacts that the illegal pet trade has on the species and its long-term survival, Proyecto Tití has developed a series of programs for children in rural elementary schools that introduce children to cotton-top tamarins. This study examines Proyecto Titi's efforts to reduce the desire to have a cotton-top tamarin as a pet with outcomes focused specifically on (1) creating an emotional connection between people and cotton-top tamarins, (2) identifying the feelings and understanding the challenges that cotton-top tamarin face when they are kept as pets, and (3) empowering students to make positive choices to help cotton-top tamarins. Both TITI KIDS and TITIRITIANDO programs helped students to (1) increase their knowledge of cotton-top tamarins, (2) understand the damage that the pet trade has on individual animals and the long-term survival of cotton-top tamarins and (3) provide practical actions that they can engage in to protect cotton-top tamarins for the future. Our hope is that students from our programs become advocates for conservation in their communities and assist in the long-term conservation activities to protect cotton-top tamarins in Colombia.

Hepato-pathological hallmarks for the surveillance of Yellow Fever in South American non-human primates.

The early detection and diagnosis of deaths in free-ranging non-human primates (NHPs) are key points for the surveillance of Yellow Fever (YF) in Brazil. The histopathological identification of infectious diseases remains very useful and reliable in the screening and detection of emerging zoonotic diseases such as YF. We surveyed data records and liver slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin from the Epizootics Surveillance Network to control YF, Ministry of Health of Brazil, to evaluate histopathological hallmarks for the diagnosis of the YF virus infection. We selected natural fatal cases in NHPs from the genera Alouatta spp., Callithrix spp., and Sapajus spp. with a positive immunohistochemical assay for YF in liver samples. Our findings showed the full-spectrum YF-associated hepatic lesions in all NHPs, but some histopathological findings differed in the distribution and intensity between the three genera. In our study, South American NHPs showed significant differences in the YF-associated hepatic histopathological features compared to fatal cases reported in humans.

Natural and Experimental Evidence Drives Marmosets for Research on Psychiatric Disorders Related to Stress.

Knowledge of the behavioral ecology of marmosets carried out in their natural habitat associated with the advent of a non-invasive technique for measuring steroid hormones in feces has made a significant contribution to understanding their social relationships and sexual strategies. These studies showed that they are mainly monogamous, live in relatively stable social groups according to a social hierarchy in which females compete and males cooperate, and form social bonds similar to humans, which makes this species a potential animal model to study disorders related to social stress. In addition, laboratory studies observed the expression of behaviors similar to those in nature and deepened the descriptions of their social and reproductive strategies. They also characterized their responses to the challenge using behavioral, cognitive, physiological, and genetic approaches that were sexually dimorphic and influenced by age and social context. These findings, added to some advantages which indicate good adaptation to captivity and the benefits of the birth of twins, small size, and life cycle in comparison to primates of the Old World, led to their use as animal models for validating psychiatric diseases such as major depression. Juvenile marmosets have recently been used to develop a depression model and to test a psychedelic brew called Ayahuasca from the Amazon rainforest as an alternative treatment for major depression, for which positive results have been found which encourage further studies in adolescents. Therefore, we will review the experimental evidence obtained so far and discuss the extension of the marmoset as an animal model for depression.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. tuberculosis infection in two captive black capuchins (Sapajus nigritus) in Southern Brazil.

Tuberculosis is a common zooanthroponosis in humans with a high incidence in Brazil, but it may also affect non-human primates (NHPs), of which Old World primates are most commonly involved. Nonetheless, its occurrence in New World primates is unknown, and therefore, this study aimed to describe the infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant tuberculosis in two captive black capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) in Southern Brazil. The primates were housed in the same enclosure, wherein close contact with humans frequently occurred, and presented apathy, anorexia, and death in a clinical course of 15 days to 2 months. At the necropsy, the tracheobronchial lymph nodes were markedly enlarged and firm to hard and on the cut surface had a caseous aspect. The lungs exhibited two injury patterns: multifocal and disseminated. Microscopically, the lungs exhibited multifocal to coalescing necrotic granulomas and non-necrotic granulomas, with multiple acid-fast bacilli within the cytoplasm of epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. Bacilli were also labeled upon immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Microbiological culture of lung samples from both cases yielded colonies compatible with M. tuberculosis. The isolates were identified as M. tuberculosis var. tuberculosis through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although tuberculosis is poorly described in New World primates, M. tuberculosis var. tuberculosis may cause a highly contagious and progressive disease with high mortality in black capuchin monkeys (S. nigritus).

Bocaparvovirus, Erythroparvovirus and Tetraparvovirus in New World Primates from Central America.

Parvoviruses in the genera Bocaparvovirus (HBoV), Erythroparvovirus (B19) and Tetraparvovirus (PARV4) are the only autonomous parvoviruses known to be associated with human and non-human primates based on studies and clinical cases in humans worldwide and non-human primates in Asia and Africa. Here, the presence of these agents with pathogenic potential was assessed by PCR in blood and faeces from 55 howler monkeys, 112 white-face monkeys, 3 squirrel monkeys and 127 spider monkeys in Costa Rica and El Salvador. Overall, 3.7% (11/297) of the monkeys had HboV DNA, 0.67% (2/297) had B19 DNA, and 14.1% (42/297) had PARV4 DNA, representing the first detection of these viruses in New World Primates (NWP). Sex was significantly associated with the presence of HBoV, males having greater risk up to nine times compared with females. Captivity was associated with increased prevalence for PARV4 and when all viruses were analysed together. This study provides compelling molecular evidence of parvoviruses in NWPs and underscores the importance of future research aimed at understanding how these viruses behave in natural environments of the Neotropics and what variables may favour their presence and transmission.

Biotecnologias da reprodução sob a perspectiva dos machos de primatas neotropicais: contribuições para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas de extinção / Reproduction biotechnologies for neotropical primate males and contributions to the conservation of endangered species

As biotecnologias da reprodução animal são uma alternativa para a conservação ex situ de espécies de primatas neotropicais ameaçados de extinção, e também podem ser utilizadas como uma ferramenta para o estudo da sua biologia reprodutiva. O entendimento dos mecanismos pré/pós copulatórios e pós-fertilização em primatas neotropicais podem auxiliar no sucesso do estabelecimento de protocolos de criopreservação seminal, visto que são necessários estudos de acordo com as especificidades fisiológicas de cada espécie. No intuito de realizar uma reflexão a acerca do papel do macho no tocante as biotecnologias da reprodução, esta revisão busca destacar os avanços e perspectivas a esse respeito, bem como as principais particularidades no tocante a manipulação do sêmen desses animais, visando uma reflexão acerca de melhorias de protocolos já estabelecidos, e fornecer uma referência para estudos futuros em primatas neotropicais.(AU)

The biotechnologies of animal reproduction are an alternative for the ex situ conservation of neotropical primates in some degree threatened with extinction, and could also be used as a tool for the study of reproductive biology. Understanding the pre/post copulatory and post-fertilization mechanisms in neotropical primates can help in the successful establishment of seminal cryopreservation protocols, since studies are necessary according to the physiological specificities of each species. In order to reflect on the role of the male in the reproductive biotechnologies, this review aim to highlight the advances and perspectives, as well as the main particularities with the manipulation of the semen in this animals, aiming at a reflection of improvements to already established protocols, and provide a reference for future studies in neotropical primates.(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...(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)

Biotecnologias da reprodução sob a perspectiva dos machos de primatas neotropicais: contribuições para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas de extinção / Reproduction biotechnologies for neotropical primate males and contributions to the conservation of endangered species

As biotecnologias da reprodução animal são uma alternativa para a conservação ex situ de espécies de primatas neotropicais ameaçados de extinção, e também podem ser utilizadas como uma ferramenta para o estudo da sua biologia reprodutiva. O entendimento dos mecanismos pré/pós copulatórios e pós-fertilização em primatas neotropicais podem auxiliar no sucesso do estabelecimento de protocolos de criopreservação seminal, visto que são necessários estudos de acordo com as especificidades fisiológicas de cada espécie. No intuito de realizar uma reflexão a acerca do papel do macho no tocante as biotecnologias da reprodução, esta revisão busca destacar os avanços e perspectivas a esse respeito, bem como as principais particularidades no tocante a manipulação do sêmen desses animais, visando uma reflexão acerca de melhorias de protocolos já estabelecidos, e fornecer uma referência para estudos futuros em primatas neotropicais.

The biotechnologies of animal reproduction are an alternative for the ex situ conservation of neotropical primates in some degree threatened with extinction, and could also be used as a tool for the study of reproductive biology. Understanding the pre/post copulatory and post-fertilization mechanisms in neotropical primates can help in the successful establishment of seminal cryopreservation protocols, since studies are necessary according to the physiological specificities of each species. In order to reflect on the role of the male in the reproductive biotechnologies, this review aim to highlight the advances and perspectives, as well as the main particularities with the manipulation of the semen in this animals, aiming at a reflection of improvements to already established protocols, and provide a reference for future studies in neotropical primates.

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.

Simian Foamy Viruses in Central and South America: A New World of Discovery.

Foamy viruses (FVs) are the only exogenous retrovirus to date known to infect neotropical primates (NPs). In the last decade, an increasing number of strains have been completely or partially sequenced, and molecular evolution analyses have identified an ancient co-speciation with their hosts. In this review, the improvement of diagnostic techniques that allowed the determination of a more accurate prevalence of simian FVs (SFVs) in captive and free-living NPs is discussed. Determination of DNA viral load in American primates indicates that oral tissues are the viral replicative site and that buccal swab collection can be an alternative to diagnose SFV infection in NPs. Finally, the transmission potential of NP SFVs to primate workers in zoos and primate centers of the Americas is examined.

Early reversal of ketamine/dexmedetomidine chemical immobilization by atipamezole in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas).

BACKGROUND: A smooth and rapid recovery from anesthesia allowing safe release is desirable, especially for wild species. This study describes the clinical effects of the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine and the partial reversal with atipamezole in golden-headed lion tamarins. METHODS: Dexmedetomidine 10 µg kg-1 and ketamine 15 mg kg-1 were administered to 45 golden-headed lion tamarins undergoing vasectomy. Following surgery, animals were assigned to three groups: control (SAL; 0.9% NaCl), atipamezole 20 µg kg-1 (ATI20), and atipamezole 40 µg kg-1 (ATI40). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All animals presented great scores of sedation and muscle relaxation during the procedure. Recovery in the control group was smooth and uneventful. Salivation, muscle tremors, and head movements were observed in ATI 20 and ATI40. The administration of atipamezole did not change total recovery times (ATI20 69 ± 23 minutes; ATI40 72 ± 45 minutes; SAL 57 ± 23 minutes).

Leptospira spp., rotavirus, norovirus, and hepatitis E virus surveillance in a wild invasive golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas; Kuhl, 1820) population from an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The world currently faces severe biodiversity losses caused by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, pollution, the introduction of exotic species, habitat fragmentation, and climate changes. Disease ecology in altered environments is still poorly understood. The golden-headed lion tamarin (GHLT, Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered species that became invasive in an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initially few invasive GHLT individuals became hundreds, adapted to living in proximity to humans and domestic animals. These GHLTs were captured as part of a conservation project; some animals were translocated to Bahia and some were kept in captivity. This study tested 593 GHLT for Leptospira serology; 100 and 95 GHLT for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) toLeptospira and hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3), respectively, and 101 familiar groups for PCR to viruses (rotavirus A, norovirus GI and GII, and HEV-3). One animal had antibodies for Leptospira serovar Shermani and another for serovar Hebdomadis. One saprophyticLeptospira was found by the 16S PCR and sequencing. Viruses were not detected in samples tested. Findings suggest that the epidemiological importance of such pathogens in this GHLT population is either low or nonexistent. These data are important to understand the local disease ecology, as well as monitoring a translocation project, and to contribute data for species conservation.

Isolation and genotyping of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile in Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus spp) / Isolamento e genotipagem de Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile em macacos-prego (Sapajus spp)

The importance of Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile for most wild animal species remains unclear. This study aimed to isolate and genotype C. perfringens and C. difficile in stool samples from free-living and captive capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius and Sapajus libidinosus) in Brazil. Ten free-living S. flavius and 14 captive S. libidinosus were sampled for this study. To isolate C. difficile, stool samples were inoculated on plates containing cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose agar supplemented with horse blood and sodium taurocholate. Two different protocols for C. perfringens isolation were tested: direct plating onto selective agar and enrichment in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth followed by plating onto selective agar. C. difficile was not detected in the present study. The results were identical for both protocols tested for isolation of C. perfringens. Four samples (16.7%) were positive for C. perfringens type A, including one sample from a free-living animal (4.2%) and three from captive animals (12.5%), meaning there was no significant difference between these two groups. C. perfringens isolates were negative for all additional virulence factors evaluated, including enterotoxin encoding-gene (cpe) and beta-2 encoding-gene (cpb2). These results suggested that C. perfringens type A is found in the microbiota of capuchin monkeys, although it is less frequent than previously reported in domestic animals.(AU)

A importância de Clostridium perfringens e C. difficile para a maioria das espécies silvestres ainda não está clara. O objetivo do presente estudo foi isolar e genotipar C. perfringens e C. difficile em amostras de fezes de macacos-prego (Sapajus flavius e Sapajus libidinosus) de vida livre e criados em cativeiros no Brasil. Dez S. flavius de vida livre e 14 S. libidinosus de cativeiro foram incluídos no presente estudo. Para isolamento de C. difficile, as amostras de fezes foram inoculadas em agar cicloserina-cefoxitina frutose, suplementado com sangue e taurocolato de sódico. Para isolamento de C. perfringens, foram testados dois protocolos: plaqueamento direto em ágar seletivo e enriquecimento em caldo seguido de plaqueamento em ágar seletivo. C difficile não foi detectado no presente estudo. Os resultados foram idênticos para ambos os protocolos testados para isolamento de C. perfringens, resultando em quatro animais (16,7%) positivos para C. perfringens tipo A. Destes, uma amostra era de um animal de vida livre (4,2%) e três de animais de cativeiro (12,5%), não havendo diferença entre esses dois grupos. Os isolados de C. perfringens foram negativos para todos os fatores de virulência adicionais avaliados, incluindo o gene codificador de enterotoxina (cpe) e o gene codificador beta-2 (cpb2). O presente estudo sugere C. perfringens tipo A como parte da microbiota de macacos-prego, embora esse agente seja menos frequente como comensal, do que relatado anteriormente, em animais domésticos.(AU)

Isolation and genotyping of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile in Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus spp) / Isolamento e genotipagem de Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile em macacos-prego (Sapajus spp)

The importance of Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile for most wild animal species remains unclear. This study aimed to isolate and genotype C. perfringens and C. difficile in stool samples from free-living and captive capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius and Sapajus libidinosus) in Brazil. Ten free-living S. flavius and 14 captive S. libidinosus were sampled for this study. To isolate C. difficile, stool samples were inoculated on plates containing cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose agar supplemented with horse blood and sodium taurocholate. Two different protocols for C. perfringens isolation were tested: direct plating onto selective agar and enrichment in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth followed by plating onto selective agar. C. difficile was not detected in the present study. The results were identical for both protocols tested for isolation of C. perfringens. Four samples (16.7%) were positive for C. perfringens type A, including one sample from a free-living animal (4.2%) and three from captive animals (12.5%), meaning there was no significant difference between these two groups. C. perfringens isolates were negative for all additional virulence factors evaluated, including enterotoxin encoding-gene (cpe) and beta-2 encoding-gene (cpb2). These results suggested that C. perfringens type A is found in the microbiota of capuchin monkeys, although it is less frequent than previously reported in domestic animals.

A importância de Clostridium perfringens e C. difficile para a maioria das espécies silvestres ainda não está clara. O objetivo do presente estudo foi isolar e genotipar C. perfringens e C. difficile em amostras de fezes de macacos-prego (Sapajus flavius e Sapajus libidinosus) de vida livre e criados em cativeiros no Brasil. Dez S. flavius de vida livre e 14 S. libidinosus de cativeiro foram incluídos no presente estudo. Para isolamento de C. difficile, as amostras de fezes foram inoculadas em agar cicloserina-cefoxitina frutose, suplementado com sangue e taurocolato de sódico. Para isolamento de C. perfringens, foram testados dois protocolos: plaqueamento direto em ágar seletivo e enriquecimento em caldo seguido de plaqueamento em ágar seletivo. C difficile não foi detectado no presente estudo. Os resultados foram idênticos para ambos os protocolos testados para isolamento de C. perfringens, resultando em quatro animais (16,7%) positivos para C. perfringens tipo A. Destes, uma amostra era de um animal de vida livre (4,2%) e três de animais de cativeiro (12,5%), não havendo diferença entre esses dois grupos. Os isolados de C. perfringens foram negativos para todos os fatores de virulência adicionais avaliados, incluindo o gene codificador de enterotoxina (cpe) e o gene codificador beta-2 (cpb2). O presente estudo sugere C. perfringens tipo A como parte da microbiota de macacos-prego, embora esse agente seja menos frequente como comensal, do que relatado anteriormente, em animais domésticos.

Isolation and genotyping of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile in Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus spp.) / Isolamento e genotipagem de Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile em macacos-prego (Sapajus spp.)

ABSTRACT: The importance of Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile for most wild animal species remains unclear. This study aimed to isolate and genotype C. perfringens and C. difficile in stool samples from free-living and captive capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius and Sapajus libidinosus) in Brazil. Ten free-living S. flavius and 14 captive S. libidinosus were sampled for this study. To isolate C. difficile, stool samples were inoculated on plates containing cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose agar supplemented with horse blood and sodium taurocholate. Two different protocols for C. perfringens isolation were tested: direct plating onto selective agar and enrichment in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth followed by plating onto selective agar. C. difficile was not detected in the present study. The results were identical for both protocols tested for isolation of C. perfringens. Four samples (16.7%) were positive for C. perfringens type A, including one sample from a free-living animal (4.2%) and three from captive animals (12.5%), meaning there was no significant difference between these two groups. C. perfringens isolates were negative for all additional virulence factors evaluated, including enterotoxin encoding-gene (cpe) and beta-2 encoding-gene (cpb2). These results suggested that C. perfringens type A is found in the microbiota of capuchin monkeys, although it is less frequent than previously reported in domestic animals.

RESUMO: A importância de Clostridium perfringens e C. difficile para a maioria das espécies silvestres ainda não está clara. O objetivo do presente estudo foi isolar e genotipar C. perfringens e C. difficile em amostras de fezes de macacos-prego (Sapajus flavius e Sapajus libidinosus) de vida livre e criados em cativeiros no Brasil. Dez S. flavius de vida livre e 14 S. libidinosus de cativeiro foram incluídos no presente estudo. Para isolamento de C. difficile, as amostras de fezes foram inoculadas em agar cicloserina-cefoxitina frutose, suplementado com sangue e taurocolato de sódico. Para isolamento de C. perfringens, foram testados dois protocolos: plaqueamento direto em ágar seletivo e enriquecimento em caldo seguido de plaqueamento em ágar seletivo. C difficile não foi detectado no presente estudo. Os resultados foram idênticos para ambos os protocolos testados para isolamento de C. perfringens, resultando em quatro animais (16,7%) positivos para C. perfringens tipo A. Destes, uma amostra era de um animal de vida livre (4,2%) e três de animais de cativeiro (12,5%), não havendo diferença entre esses dois grupos. Os isolados de C. perfringens foram negativos para todos os fatores de virulência adicionais avaliados, incluindo o gene codificador de enterotoxina (cpe) e o gene codificador beta-2 (cpb2). O presente estudo sugere C. perfringens tipo A como parte da microbiota de macacos-prego, embora esse agente seja menos frequente como comensal, do que relatado anteriormente, em animais domésticos.

Detection of Plasmodium in faeces of the New World primate Alouatta clamitans

Abstract Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax have evolved with host switches between non-human primates (NHPs) and humans. Studies on the infection dynamics of Plasmodium species in NHPs will improve our understanding of the evolution of these parasites; however, such studies are hampered by the difficulty of handling animals in the field. The aim of this study was to detect genomic DNA of Plasmodium species from the faeces of New World monkeys. Faecal samples from 23 Alouatta clamitans from the Centre for Biological Research of Indaial (Santa Catarina, Brazil) were collected. Extracted DNA from faecal samples was used for molecular diagnosis of malaria by nested polymerase chain reaction. One natural infection with Plasmodium simium was identified by amplification of DNA extracted from the faeces of A. clamitans. Extracted DNA from a captive NHP was also used for parasite genotyping. The detection limit of the technique was evaluated in vitro using an artificial mixture of cultured P. falciparum in NHP faeces and determined to be 6.5 parasites/µL. Faecal samples of New World primates can be used to detect malaria infections in field surveys and also to monitor the genetic variability of parasites and dynamics of infection.

Characterization and comparative analysis of a simian foamy virus complete genome isolated from Brazilian capuchin monkeys.

Foamy viruses infect a wide range of placental mammals, including primates. However, despite of great diversity of New World primates, only three strains of neotropical simian foamy viruses (SFV) have been described. Only after 40 years since serological characterization, the complete sequence of an SFVcap strain infecting a family of six capuchin monkeys (Sapajus xanthosternos) was obtained. Co-culture of primate peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Cf2Th canine cells was established and monitored for the appearance of cytopathic effects, PCR amplification of integrated SFV proviral genome and viral reverse transcriptase activity. The novel SFVcap was fully sequenced through a next-generation sequencing protocol. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome grouped SFVcap and SFVmar, both infecting primate species of the Cebidae family with a genetic similarity of approximately 85%. Similar ORF sizes were observed among SFV from neotropical primates, and env and pol genes were the most conserved. Neotropical SFV presented the smallest LTRs among exogenous mammalians. The novel SFVcap strain provides a valuable research tool for the FV community.

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.

Parvalbumin expression and distribution in the hippocampal formation of Cebus apella.

New World primates play an important role in biomedical research. However, the literature still lacks information on many structural features of the brain in these species, particularly structures of the hippocampal formation that are related to long-term memory storage. This study was designed to provide information, for the first time, about the distribution and number of neurons expressing parvalbumin-immunoreactivity (PV-I) in the subregions of the hippocampal formation in Cebus apella, a New World primate species commonly used in biomedical research. Our results revealed that for several morphometric variables, PV-I cells differ significantly among the subregions CA1, CA2, CA3, and the hilus. Based upon our findings and those of other studies, we hypothesize that the proportional increase from monkeys to humans in PV-I cell density within CA1 is a factor contributing to the evolution of increased memory formation and storage.