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Giardiasis in laboratory-housed squirrel monkeys: a retrospective study
1Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305-5410.
Laboratory Animal Science
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Giardia infection was found in squirrel monkeys, affecting both sick and healthy animals. Facility wastewater tested positive, suggesting a potential source of this parasite in the colony.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Primate Health
Background:
- Giardiasis is a common intestinal parasite affecting various animal species.
- Squirrel monkeys are a primate species that can be susceptible to various infections.
- Understanding parasite incidence in captive exotic animals is crucial for colony health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Giardia infection in a squirrel monkey colony.
- To investigate the association between Giardia and clinical signs in affected animals.
- To identify potential sources of Giardia within the animal facility.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 190 squirrel monkeys.
- Inclusion criteria: gastrointestinal clinical signs, fecal examination, necropsy findings, or fecal culture.
- Targeted fecal examinations in healthy animals and environmental sampling of water sources.
Main Results:
- Giardia was diagnosed in 19 monkeys, with 68% exhibiting gastrointestinal signs.
- Fecal examinations revealed Giardia in 33% of symptomatic monkeys.
- Giardia was also found in asymptomatic animals (50% of healthy examined) and in facility wastewater.
Conclusions:
- Giardiasis is present in this squirrel monkey colony, affecting both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
- Facility wastewater is a potential source of Giardia transmission.
- This is the first report of giardiasis in squirrel monkeys, highlighting the need for monitoring and control strategies.