Hyperinfection by Strongyloides in captive callitrichids with progressive weight loss syndrome

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection of the nematodeStrongyloides, 1 which is a parasite of animals in both free-living conditions and captivity. 2,3 The species S. fuelleborni and S. cebus are parasites of Old and New World primates, respectively. Human infections of S. stercolaris are frequent, but zoonotic or anthropozoonotic infections can also occur. 4 Among Old World primates, Erythrocebus patas have shown histopathological lesions caused by S. stercoralis manifesting as disseminated hyperinfection, severe necrotizing duodenitis, colitis, and pulmonary hemorrhage. 5 Among Neotropical primates, pot-bellied Lagothrix cana monkeys have shown severe Strongyloides infections manifesting as hemorrhage and lesions in the lung, duodenum, and jejunum with mucosal erosion, and presence of larvae. 6 This infection occurs by penetration of the filarioid larvae through feet or hands, reaching derma, and subsequently, lymphatic and blood circulation. It can also occur through ingestion of water and food contaminated with filarioid larvae.In Strongyloides infections, third-stage self-infecting larvae can promote severe hyperinfection resulting from the exacerbation of the autoinfection cycle, manifesting with diarrhea, malabsorption, and acute enteritis in primates. 6 This infection can accelerate pathological processes that are already established, such as wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS), and can lead to quick death, particularly in babies of non-human primates. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomopathological aspects of disseminated strongyloidiasis in three captive callitrichids.

Filarial hyperinfection in two neotropical primates from eastern Amazon peri‐urban areas

“…The occurrence of death due to parasitism is a rare event as parasitic helminth species are well suited to their hosts. 4 However, as a consequence of alterations or imbalances in parasitic factors, severe injuries can occur and negatively influence the health of the hosts. 5 The dissemination of larvae in different thoracic and abdominal organs, Microfilariae in the intestine are rarely observed, this infection observed in S. niger is particularly localized and of low intensity, unlike infection by W. bancrofti and Loa loa in humans, causing intestinal hemorrhages, ulceration, and allergic reactions.…”

“…The occurrence of death due to parasitism is a rare event as parasitic helminth species are well suited to their hosts 4 . However, as a consequence of alterations or imbalances in parasitic factors, severe injuries can occur and negatively influence the health of the hosts 5 .…”