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

Authors :: Marangi M
Koehler AV
Zanzani SA
Manfredi MT
Brianti E
Giangaspero A
Gasser RB
Source :: Parasites & vectors [Parasit Vectors] 2015 May 15; Vol. 8, pp. 274. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 May 15.
Publication Year :: 2015
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.<br />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.<br />Results: Cyclospora was detected in three Pan troglodytes (13.6%) and nine (9.3%) Macaca fascicularis.<br />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.

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