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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
Bacterial Detection & Identification Using Electrochemical Sensors
Published on: April 23, 2013
Detection of
1Department of Animal Pathology and Epidemiology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
Abstract:
The present study examined and reported Hepatocystis sp. infection in wild-caught vervet monkeys imported from Tanzania into the Razi vaccine and serum research institute (RVSRI). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting of 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), and phylogenetic studies revealed that 82.8% of the imported monkeys were infected with Hepatocystis. Nevertheless, as illustrated by a routine parasitological examination of blood smears and histopathological examination of liver collected samples, the rates of Hepatocystis infection were obtained at 33.9% and 38.1%, respectively. Two isolated 18S rRNA gene sequences of Hepatocystis sp. from Tanzanian vervet monkeys were registered under the accession numbers OM281567 and OM281564 in GenBank. Although Hepatocystis infections do not cause clinical disease, they may interfere with the research data. The results of the current study pointed out that after proper nutrition and implementation of good physical environmental conditions for 3-4 months, the imported monkeys obviously gained weight and most of their hematological parameters, even in the presence of the parasite, returned to the normal levels and the experimental monkeys would be ready for use in studies.
Insights
Hepatocystis sp. infection was detected in 82.8% of imported vervet monkeys using PCR. Despite high infection rates, monkeys adapted well to research conditions, with improved health parameters making them suitable for studies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Primate Health
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Wild-caught vervet monkeys are frequently imported for research.
- Hepatocystis sp. is a known parasite affecting non-human primates.
- Accurate detection of infections is crucial for research integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Hepatocystis sp. in imported vervet monkeys.
- To evaluate the impact of acclimatization on infected monkeys.
- To determine the suitability of these monkeys for research purposes.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene for parasite detection.
- DNA sequencing, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), and phylogenetic analysis.
- Routine parasitological examination of blood smears and histopathological examination of liver samples.
Main Results:
- PCR revealed an 82.8% infection rate of Hepatocystis sp. in imported monkeys.
- Blood smear and histopathology showed lower infection rates (33.9% and 38.1%).
- Sequences were registered in GenBank (Accession numbers OM281567 and OM281564).
- Acclimatized monkeys showed improved weight and normalized hematological parameters, despite parasite presence.
Conclusions:
- Hepatocystis sp. is highly prevalent in wild-caught vervet monkeys from Tanzania.
- While asymptomatic, the parasite may affect research data.
- Proper acclimatization improves the health status of infected monkeys, rendering them suitable for research.
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