Integrating indigenous knowledge, ontology, and molecular barcoding to characterize spider monkey (Ateles paniscus) filariasis

Abstract

Zoonotic disease risk is greatly influenced by cultural practices and belief systems. Yet, few studies have integrated traditional ecological knowledge and ontology with western ways of knowing to better understand potential zoonoses. Here, we integrate molecular phylogenetics, histopathology, and ethnography to characterize a filarial nematode found within the abdominal cavity of spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus). The filarid is recognized as ‘spider monkey cotton’ by indigenous Waiwai in the Konashen Community Owned Conservation Area, Guyana. Ethnographic data revealed that the Waiwai perceive of ‘spider monkey cotton’ as a normal characteristic within the ‘spider monkey person.’ Further, the Waiwai indicated that ‘cotton’ was ubiquitous with spider monkeys and is not understood to be infectious nor zoonotic. This distinction is in contrast to other internal parasites found within spider monkeys that the Waiwai know to cause disease in both monkeys and humans. Our morphological and molecular characterization support the classification of the filarid as Dipetalonema caudispina, a minimally studied and seemingly non-zoonotic parasite, consistent with Waiwai beliefs. Thus, our findings allow us to establish commensurability between scientific knowledge and indigenous ontology. More broadly, this work highlights the importance of integrating multiple knowledge systems and leveraging advanced genomics to better understand and prevent emerging zoonotic diseases.

Multisystem infection by Dipetalonema spp. in a capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus)

“…In southern Brazil, this genus was diagnosed in primates such as D. gracile in red howler monkeys in the state of Santa Catarina (13) . When there is a high degree of infection, microfilariae can be constantly viewed in peripheral blood analysis, as well as in the lumen of blood vessels during histopathological analysis (4,6,14,23) . In the present case, numerous microfilariae were observed in the lumen of blood vessels in the lung, liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, small and large intestines, and brain.…”

“…Bras., V24, e-75264E and anatomopathological findings of the primate in the present case agree that the cause of death was caused by the intense and disseminated parasitic infection associated with its complications, especially the inflammatory ones. Currently, the precise identification of species belonging to the genus Dipetalonema is achieved through molecular tests (4,17,23) . However, in the present study, morphometric characteristics of the filaria found in the blood smear associated with the affected primate species and the location of the adult parasites were used, which only allowed the identification of the genus.…”

Infecção multissistêmica por Dipetalonema spp. em um macaco-prego (Sapajus nigritus)

“…No Sul do Brasil, esse gênero foi diagnosticado em primatas, a exemplo de D. gracile em bugios ruivos no Estado de Santa Catarina (13) . Quando em alto grau de infecção, a visualização de microfilárias em análise de sangue periférico pode ser uma constante, bem como no lúmen de vasos sanguíneos durante a análise histopatológica (4,6,14,23) . No presente caso, foram observadas numerosas microfilárias no lúmen de vasos sanguíneos do pulmão, fígado, coração, rins, baço, intestinos delgado e grosso, e cérebro.…”

“…A apresentação clínica e achados anatomopatológicos do primata do presente caso convergem para que a causa da morte tenha sido provocada pela intensa e disseminada infecção parasitária associada a suas complicações, especialmente as inflamatórias. Atualmente, a identificação precisa das espécies pertencentes ao gênero Dipetalonema é realizada através de exames moleculares (4,17,23) . No entanto, no presente estudo foram utilizadas características morfométricas das filárias encontradas no esfregaço sanguíneo associadas à espécie de primata acometida e localização dos parasitas adultos, o que permitiu somente a identificação do gênero.…”

First report of Dipetalonema gracile in a captive Marcgrave’s capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) in northeastern Brazil: Scientific communication

“…Various species of filarial nematodes of the genera Dipetalonema and Tetrapetalonema have been described in New World primates, including in endangered species (Muniz-Pereira,Vieira, & Luque, 2009;Vanderhoeven, Notarnicola, & Agostini, 2017;Milstein et al, 2020). To date, six species of Dipetalonema have been described in Brazil: D. gracile, D.…”