Infection by Prosthernorchis elegans (Diesing, 1851) in captive Callithrix aurita (É. Geoffroy, 1812) and Leontopithecus rosalia (Linnaeus, 1766) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Brazil has the greatest biodiversity of non-human primates (NHP) in the world. 1 One strategy implemented for their conservation in Brazil is the ex situ maintenance and reproduction of the most critically endangered species. 2 In captivity, primates are generally allocated in groups and in environments smaller than their natural habitat, have more contact with humans, and are exposed to different management conditions. These circumstances can determine stress and a drop in primates' immunity, favoring parasitic infections. 3,4 Among the parasites, the Phylum Acanthocephala stands out. These can be transmitted to NHP through the ingestion of infected arthropods, mainly cockroaches and beetles, that can determine morbidity and mortality. 5 Therefore, this study aimed to report two cases of infection by Prosthernorchis elegans in captive NHP in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Gastrointestinal Parasites Affecting Non-Human Primates That Are Kept Ex Situ and Their Handlers in Different Brazilian Institutions: Diagnosis and Analysis of Risk Factors

“…Helminths showing indirect biological cycles were also diagnosed, highlighting the Phylum Acanthocephala eggs. They were mainly detected in Callitrichidae from Institution C. According to previous parasitological studies carried out in this same location, acanthocephalan eggs were detected in Leontopithecus, whereas adults of Prosthernorchis elegans were recovered in necropsies of Callithrix aurita and Leontopithecus rosalia [5,56]. It is worth mentioning that this parasite taxon can be lethal to primates, mainly to callitrichids, due to secondary bacterial infections resulting from nodules grown in the submucosa and intussusception, as well as from ileum and cecum obstruction [24,57].…”