Abdominal cysticercosis in a cynomolgus monkey

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Parasitology
• Primate Research

Background:

• Toxicity studies in non-human primates are crucial for pharmaceutical safety assessment.
• Cynomolgus monkeys are commonly used models in preclinical research.
• Parasitic infections can confound toxicity study results.

Observation:

• A large cysticercus cyst (larval Taenia hydatigena) was identified during necropsy of a 5-year-old male cynomolgus monkey.
• The cyst, containing over 100ml of fluid, was attached to the greater omentum within the abdominal cavity.
• Histopathological examination revealed a well-developed scolex within the double-layered cyst.

Findings:

• Morphological and partial mitochondrial DNA sequencing confirmed the parasite as Cysticercus tenuicollis, the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena.
• The genetic analysis showed 1.5-3.3% homology to Taenia hydatigena in the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene.
• The cyst's outer layer was integrated with the host's greater omentum.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of parasite screening in non-human primates to ensure research integrity.
• Parasitic infections like Cysticercus tenuicollis can impact animal health and potentially alter physiological responses in toxicity studies.
• Findings suggest the need for enhanced biosecurity and health monitoring protocols in primate colonies supplying research animals.