Widespread Treponema pallidum Infection in Nonhuman Primates, Tanzania

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Primatology

Background:

• Treponema pallidum is a bacterium that causes syphilis in humans.
• Nonhuman primates are susceptible to various infectious diseases, and can serve as reservoirs for pathogens.
• Understanding the epidemiology of T. pallidum in nonhuman primates is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and distribution of Treponema pallidum infection in nonhuman primates in Tanzania.
• To identify the species and geographic locations affected by the infection.
• To determine the implications of findings for human yaws eradication.

Main Methods:

• Serologic testing was used to detect antibodies against T. pallidum in 289 nonhuman primates from 8 species.
• PCR analysis (polA, tp47, TP_0619) was performed on tissue samples from ulcerated animals for confirmation.
• Geographic locations and clinical manifestations were recorded.

Main Results:

• Treponema pallidum infection was detected in olive baboons, yellow baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys.
• The bacterium was found at 11 out of 14 investigated geographic locations in Tanzania.
• Anogenital ulceration was the most common clinical sign, with orofacial lesions also observed.

Conclusions:

• Nonhuman primates in Tanzania are widely infected with T. pallidum.
• Findings suggest infection with T. pallidum subsp. pertenue-like strains.
• The widespread presence of T. pallidum in Tanzanian nonhuman primates may impact human yaws eradication strategies.