Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Captive Primates.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Primate Health
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are significant enteric protozoan parasites.
• Captive primate populations can be susceptible to parasitic infections.
• Understanding parasite prevalence in captive animals is crucial for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To diagnose the presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in captive Neotropical primates.
• To assess the prevalence of these protozoan infections in a primate sanctuary in Pará, Brazil.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples were collected from 76 captive primates across 13 species.
• Direct Lugol staining and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques were employed for parasite detection.
• A commercial immunological test (RIDAQUICK Combi) was used for confirmation.

Main Results:

• Prevalence rates were 10.5% for Cryptosporidium spp. and 5.2% for Giardia spp.
• A total of 15.7% of animals were infected, with one case of coinfection (1.3%).
• These protozoa were confirmed in the studied captive primate population.

Conclusions:

• Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections occur in captive primates in Pará, Brazil.
• The findings indicate a potential zoonotic risk associated with these parasites.
• Further surveillance and control measures are recommended for captive primate facilities.