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Callithrix penicillata as a nonhuman primate model for strongyloidiasis.
Alan Lane de Melo1, Vitor Luís Tenório Mati, Wanderlany Amâncio Martins
1Laboratório de Taxonomia e Biologia de Invertebrados, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30123-970, Brazil. aldemelo@icb.ufmg.br
Primates; Journal of Primatology
|March 6, 2012
Summary
The common marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) shows promise as a model for experimental strongyloidiasis, a parasitic infection. Glucocorticoid treatment did not affect the infection course in these nonhuman primates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Primate Models
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection that affects humans and animals.
- Understanding experimental strongyloidiasis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Small New World primates offer potential models for studying human parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate experimental strongyloidiasis in the common marmoset (Callithrix penicillata).
- To evaluate the impact of glucocorticoid immunosuppression on strongyloidiasis.
- To assess the potential for reinfection in marmosets.
Main Methods:
- Nine Callithrix penicillata were infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae.
- Two marmosets received dexamethasone to assess immunosuppression.
- Fecal samples were examined for parasite eggs to determine patent periods and infection intensity.
Main Results:
- The mean prepatent period was 5.6 days, and the patent period averaged 123.4 days in untreated marmosets.
- Dexamethasone treatment did not significantly alter the infection course or patent period.
- Reinfection attempts were unsuccessful, suggesting some level of acquired immunity.
Conclusions:
- Callithrix penicillata is a suitable nonhuman primate model for experimental strongyloidiasis.
- The model can be used to study infection dynamics and potential therapeutic interventions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand immunity and reinfection in this model.
