Detection of Cyclospora in captive chimpanzees and macaques by a quantitative PCR-based mutation scanning approach

Parasit Vectors. 2015 May 15:8:274. doi: 10.1186/s13071-015-0872-8.

Abstract

Background: Cyclospora is a protistan parasite that causes enteritis in several species of animals including humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Cyclospora in captive non-human primates.

Methods: A total of 119 faecal samples from Pan troglodytes, Macaca sylvanus, Cercopithecus cephus, Erythrocebus patas, Chlorocebus aethiops and Macaca fascicularis from a wildlife animal rescue center as well as from Macaca fascicularis from an experimental primate research center were tested for the presence of Cyclospora by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis.

Results: Cyclospora was detected in three Pan troglodytes (13.6%) and nine (9.3%) Macaca fascicularis.

Conclusions: The present study represents the first record of Cyclospora in captive primates in Europe, suggesting the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is transmissible to humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ape Diseases / diagnosis
  • Ape Diseases / parasitology*
  • Cyclospora / genetics*
  • Cyclospora / isolation & purification
  • Cyclosporiasis / diagnosis
  • Cyclosporiasis / parasitology
  • Cyclosporiasis / veterinary*
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / isolation & purification
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Macaca / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Monkey Diseases / diagnosis
  • Monkey Diseases / parasitology*
  • Pan troglodytes / parasitology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA