Genetic identification of an oxyurid from a captive, black-handed spider monkey--implications for treatment and control

Parasitol Res. 2014 Sep;113(9):3445-8. doi: 10.1007/s00436-014-4013-7. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

Abstract

Parasites are of major clinical significance in captive primates in zoos, particularly those with direct life cycles. Oxyurid nematodes can be a persistent problem, as infection intensity and environmental contamination with infective eggs are usually high. Observations at the Basel Zoo in Switzerland have revealed that particularly black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) exhibit continuous oxyurid nematode infection(s), despite regular deworming with anthelmintics. In the present study, using a molecular approach, we were able to identify the nematode (Trypanoxyuris atelis) causing this ongoing problem, and we are now evaluating a practical treatment and control regimen to tackle this parasite problem.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Zoo
  • Antinematodal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Atelinae*
  • Cyclooxygenase 1 / genetics
  • Cyclooxygenase 1 / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Monkey Diseases / drug therapy
  • Monkey Diseases / epidemiology
  • Monkey Diseases / parasitology*
  • Nematoda / genetics*
  • Nematoda / isolation & purification
  • Nematode Infections / drug therapy
  • Nematode Infections / epidemiology
  • Nematode Infections / parasitology
  • Nematode Infections / veterinary*
  • Phylogeny
  • Switzerland / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antinematodal Agents
  • Cyclooxygenase 1