Sarcocystid pathogens in captive monkeys from southern Brazil

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Non-human primates (NHPs) are known hosts for various Sarcocystidae family pathogens.
• Understanding the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in captive NHPs is crucial for wildlife and public health.
• Zoological institutions require robust surveillance for zoonotic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect and identify Sarcocystidae DNA in deceased captive monkeys from a zoo in southern Brazil.
• To investigate the genetic diversity of detected pathogens, particularly Toxoplasma gondii.
• To assess the role of NHPs in the transmission cycle of Sarcocystidae.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 84 tissue samples from 22 captive monkeys using nested PCR.
• Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and specific primers for pathogen identification.
• Multilocus PCR-RFLP and ToxoDB for genotyping of T. gondii isolates.

Main Results:

• Sarcocystid DNA was detected in 10 out of 22 animals (45.45%).
• Prevalence included Sarcocystis sp. (27.27%), Toxoplasma gondii (18.18%), and Hammondia hammondi (4.54%).
• A fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis case in a capuchin monkey involved an atypical T. gondii genotype; H. hammondi DNA was found in a marmoset.

Conclusions:

• Sarcocystid infections are prevalent in captive NHPs in this Brazilian zoo.
• The findings highlight the potential for atypical T. gondii genotypes and the role of NHPs as intermediate hosts.
• Continuous surveillance in zoological collections is essential for managing parasitic diseases and understanding pathogen diversity.