The status of Green Monkey (cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) as a carrier of disease in Barbados - abstract

ABSTRACT

The vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) was introduced to Barbados from Africa in the 17th Century, and there are now between 5,000 and 10,000 monkeys on the island. Because they live in proximity to man, and because in Africa the species is a well-known carrier of highly pathogenic organism, the disease status of the Barbadian monkey is of interest. Sera from captive, wild-caught monkeys have been examined by several individuals and institutions. so far there is no evidence that Barbadian Cercopithecus carries dengue of yellow fever virus, Marburg virus, HTLV, herpes virus, any other pathogenic virus for which sera were tested, or tuberculosis. Approximately 305 of the population carries antibodies to Leptospira, predominantly to serogroup Ballum. This serogroup causes only 6 percent of severe human cases. In addition, several cases of severe gum infections have been note which may be advanced chronic periodontitis. Some of the cases were fatal. Cercopithecus is not considered to be a public health threat in Barbados at this time (AU)