The evaluation of enteric viruses in asymptomatic free-ranging non-human primates (Alouatta guariba clamitans, Alouatta caraya, Callithrix spp., Callithrix penicillata, and Leontopithecus caissara) in southern Brazil

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the presence of rotavirus groups A, B, and C (RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C), sapovirus (SaV), and norovirus (NoV) in asymptomatic non-human primates (NHP).

Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 19 recently captured (Red-howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 18; Howler, Alouatta caraya, n = 1) and 43 free-ranging NHP (Marmosets, Callithrix spp., Callithrix penicillata, n = 30; Black-faced lion tamarin, Leontopithecus caissara, n = 12, Red-howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 1) that were maintained in southern Brazil without manifestation of diarrhea. Screening was performed by a combination of silver-stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss-PAGE) and RT-PCR analyses.

Results: All samples were negative for RV-A, RV-B, RV-C, SaV, and NoV by both assays.

Conclusion: The negative results obtained might be due to the absence of clinical manifestations of disease in the population of NHP evaluated.