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Case report: Esophageal Spirura infection in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
James L Blanchard1, Mark L Eberhard2
1Departments of Pathology, Delta Regional Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana.
American Journal of Primatology
|January 26, 2020
Summary
A necropsy revealed a significant esophageal nematode infection in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). This severe Spirura genus infestation was a contributing factor to the animal's death.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Primate Medicine
Background:
- Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) are susceptible to various parasitic infections.
- Esophageal parasites can cause significant morbidity and mortality in non-human primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe esophageal nematode infestation in a squirrel monkey.
- To identify the causative agent and describe the associated pathology.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy examination of an adult, wild-born squirrel monkey.
- Histopathological evaluation of esophageal tissues.
- Morphological identification of nematodes.
Main Results:
- Discovery of 30-40 esophageal nematodes, identified as belonging to the genus Spirura.
- Nematodes were attached to the esophageal mucosa, causing superficial hyperplastic changes and keratinization.
- The heavy parasite burden was deemed a significant contributing factor to the animal's demise.
Conclusions:
- Severe Spirura infections can be fatal in squirrel monkeys.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing esophageal nematode infections in primates.
