Mycoplasma sp. infection in captive Marcgrave's capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius)
Ayodhya C Ramalho1, Ricardo R Guerra1, Anna C B Mongruel2
1Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
Three species of hemoplasmas are known to infect monkeys, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma kahanei', 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma aoti'. Marcgrave's capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) is a critically endangered neotropical primate species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and thus, sustained efforts are needed to protect the health and well-being of these animals. This study has aimed to screen 12 captive S. flavius from the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, for hemoplasma infection. Packed cell volume (PCV) was measured and a pan-hemoplasma PCR protocol performed. A total of 8/12 (66.6%) monkeys were positive for the 16S rDNA gene of Mycoplasma sp., showing an identity of 99% to Mycoplasma sp. previously detected in Sapajus apella and Sapajus sp. monkeys from the Brazilian Amazon. Further studies should be conducted in order to elucidate whether this potentially novel Mycoplasma sp. is able to cause anemia in Sapajus sp. monkeys from Brazil.
Insights
A high prevalence of hemoplasma infection was detected in captive Marcgrave's capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius) in Brazil. This finding highlights the need for further research into the health of this endangered primate species.
Area of Science:
- Primate Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Three hemoplasma species are known to infect monkeys globally.
- Marcgrave's capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) is a critically endangered primate in Brazil.
- Understanding hemoplasma prevalence is crucial for conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen captive Sapajus flavius for hemoplasma infection.
- To assess the prevalence of hemoplasma in this endangered primate population.
- To identify potential novel Mycoplasma species in neotropical primates.
Main Methods:
- Packed cell volume (PCV) measurement to assess anemia.
- Pan-hemoplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S rDNA gene.
- DNA sequencing for species identification and phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- 8 out of 12 (66.6%) Sapajus flavius tested positive for Mycoplasma sp.
- The detected Mycoplasma sp. showed 99% identity to strains found in other Brazilian Sapajus monkeys.
- No information on packed cell volume was provided in the abstract.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of hemoplasma infection exists in captive Sapajus flavius in northeastern Brazil.
- Further research is needed to determine if this Mycoplasma sp. causes anemia in Sapajus monkeys.
- This study contributes to the understanding of hemoplasma epidemiology in endangered neotropical primates.
