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Neopterin Levels in Bonobos Vary Seasonally and Reflect Symptomatic Respiratory Infections.
Mélodie Kreyer1,2,3, Verena Behringer4, Caroline Deimel5
1Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Max-Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Bücklestraße 5 a, 78467, Constance, Germany. mkreyer@ab.mpg.de.
Ecohealth
|May 15, 2023
Summary
Wild bonobo urinary neopterin (uNeo) levels fluctuate seasonally and increase during respiratory infections, offering insights into immunocompetence. This biomarker aids in monitoring the health of wild ape populations facing environmental changes.
Area of Science:
- Primate immunology
- Wildlife health monitoring
- Conservation biology
Background:
- Environmental changes increase infectious disease risks for wild mammals.
- Understanding species-level immune function is crucial for health monitoring.
- Neopterin is a biomarker for cell-mediated immune responses to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate urinary neopterin (uNeo) variation in wild bonobos.
- Relate uNeo levels to individual and environmental factors.
- Establish a baseline for bonobo immunocompetence and health surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 309 urine samples from wild bonobos (Pan paniscus) collected between 2010-2018.
- Measured urinary neopterin (uNeo) levels.
- Correlated uNeo levels with seasonality, age, reproductive status, and health symptoms.
Main Results:
- Urinary neopterin (uNeo) levels exhibited significant seasonal variation.
- uNeo levels were elevated in bonobos with respiratory symptoms.
- Contrary to predictions, uNeo did not vary with age or reproductive status in this study.
Conclusions:
- Bonobo immunocompetence is influenced by seasonal factors and infection.
- Urinary neopterin (uNeo) serves as a potential health biomarker for wild bonobos.
- This research provides a foundation for monitoring bonobo health amidst ecological pressures.
Keywords:
EcoimmunologyHealth monitoringNon-invasivePan paniscusRespiratory infectionsSeasonal infectious diseasesUrinary neopterinMore Related Videos
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