Prevalence of Babesia microti in free-ranging baboons and African green monkeys

J Parasitol. 2011 Feb;97(1):63-7. doi: 10.1645/GE-2391.1. Epub 2010 Sep 28.

Abstract

Babesia microti-like parasites have been reported to infect captive non-human primates (NHPs). However, studies on the prevalence of Babesia spp. in free-ranging NHPs are lacking. This investigation aimed at determining the prevalence of B. microti in wild-caught Kenyan NHPs. In total, 125 animals were studied, including 65 olive baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) and 60 African green monkeys ([AGMs] Chlorocebus aethiops). Nested polymerase chain reaction targeting Babesia β-tubulin genes was used to diagnose infection prevalence. Results indicated a prevalence of 22% (27/125) B. microti infection in free-ranging NHPs in Kenya. There was no statistically significant difference in B. microti infection prevalence between baboons and AGMs or male and female animals. This is the first report of the presence and prevalence of B. microti in free-ranging Kenyan NHPs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachnid Vectors
  • Babesia microti / isolation & purification*
  • Babesiosis / epidemiology
  • Babesiosis / veterinary*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops / parasitology*
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology
  • Female
  • Kenya / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Monkey Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Monkey Diseases / parasitology
  • Papio anubis / parasitology*
  • Parasitemia / epidemiology
  • Parasitemia / veterinary
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Prevalence
  • Rhipicephalus
  • Tick Infestations / complications
  • Tick Infestations / epidemiology
  • Tick Infestations / veterinary

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan