MEDICAL-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF INTESTINAL INFECTION BY PROSTHENORCHIS ELEGANS IN NONHUMAN PRIMATES FROM COSTA RICA

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2024 Jan;54(4):830-836. doi: 10.1638/2022-0119.

Abstract

Parasitism is one of the most important diseases in nonhuman primates (NHP). Parasitism by Prosthenorchis elegans can be a threat to health and conservation of NHP in Costa Rica. Surgical management of intestinal acanthocephalan infection in two squirrel monkeys (Saimiri oerstedii) and one white-faced monkey (Cebus imitator) is described as an alternative to the lack of pharmacologic control options when there is a high burden of parasites present. A complete physical evaluation, including medical ultrasound techniques, allow for diagnosis of the parasite and its lesions. When animals present with a high burden of parasites, surgical management has shown to promote good health outcomes and increase the probability of survival.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Costa Rica
  • Intestinal Diseases* / parasitology
  • Intestinal Diseases* / veterinary
  • Physical Examination
  • Primates / parasitology