First report of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in wild-caught Caribbean African green monkeys

Abstract

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals. Humans can become infected by ingesting infective oocysts from the environment or contaminated food or water, or by ingesting tissue cysts in undercooked infected meat or by handling infected meat. Caribbean African green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) are present in large numbers on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean, and it is not uncommon for these animals to be trapped and eaten by islanders. The aim of this study was to determine T. gondii infection in Caribbean African green monkeys.FindingsSera collected from 79 wild-caught Caribbean African green monkeys were examined for T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. Antibodies were detected in 38 out of 79 (48.1%) monkeys. Significantly more females were infected than males but there was no significant effect of age or location on antibody status.ConclusionsResults indicate that Caribbean African green monkeys can be infected with T. gondii and that there is widespread environmental contamination of St. Kitts with oocysts. These monkeys could present a potential source of T. gondii infection if their meat is consumed undercooked. This is the first report of T. gondii antibodies in this species.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in captive non‐human primates in the Amazon region, Brazil

“…The present results corroborates with previous studies in French Guiana, 16 Mexico, 11 the Caribbean, 10 and Brazil, 12,13,17,18 from which widespread T. gondii infection among primates was reported, especially among primates in captivity. A retrospective study in the southern Brazil pointed toxoplasmosis as the main infectious disease responsible for death in monkeys from different origins.…”

“…In the Caribbean, 48.1% of free‐ranging African green monkeys ( Chlorocebus sp.) were positive for T. gondii antibodies . Recent survey found higher prevalence and high titers in different species of New World monkeys in a zoo in Mexico.…”

“…were positive for T. gondii antibodies. 10 Recent survey 11 found higher prevalence and high titers in different species of New World monkeys in a zoo in Mexico. In Brazil, T. gondii antibodies were reported in captivity tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella) and red-faced spider monkey (Ateles paniscus) from northern and northeastern regions.…”