Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi TcII and TcI in free-ranging population of lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp): an 11-year follow-up

Abstract

Here, we present a review of the dataset resulting from the 11-years follow-up of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in free-ranging populations of Leontopithecus rosalia (golden lion tamarin) and Leontopithecus chrysomelas (golden-headed lion tamarin) from distinct forest fragments in Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. Additionally, we present new data regarding T. cruzi infection of small mammals (rodents and marsupials) that live in the same areas as golden lion tamarins and characterisation at discrete typing unit (DTU) level of 77 of these isolates. DTU TcII was found to exclusively infect primates, while TcI infected Didelphis aurita and lion tamarins. The majority of T. cruzi isolates derived from L. rosalia were shown to be TcII (33 out 42) Nine T. cruzi isolates displayed a TcI profile. Golden-headed lion tamarins demonstrated to be excellent reservoirs of TcII, as 24 of 26 T. cruzi isolates exhibited the TcII profile. We concluded the following: (i) the transmission cycle of T. cruzi in a same host species and forest fragment is modified over time, (ii) the infectivity competence of the golden lion tamarin population fluctuates in waves that peak every other year and (iii) both golden and golden-headed lion tamarins are able to maintain long-lasting infections by TcII and TcI.

Lineage-specific serology confirms Brazilian Atlantic forest lion tamarins, Leontopithecus chrysomelas and Leontopithecus rosalia, as reservoir hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi II (TcII)

“…Leontopithecus rosalia and L. chrysomelas have been shown to be able to maintain long-lasting parasitaemias with TcII [5, 35, 36]. The findings of our study, indicate that both L. rosalia and L. chrysomelas are viable reservoirs of TcII and TcV/TcVI.…”

“…Previous studies of the tamarins of the Atlantic Forest have shown a variable distribution of infection by the different T. cruzi lineages, with TcI and TcII predominating in different studies [31–36]. In particular, Lisboa et al [36], in a study of the Atlantic rainforest mammals, found TcII to be present only in tamarins while TcI was found in both Didelphis aurita (big-eared opossum) and lion tamarins, with TcI predominating overall.…”

“…In particular, Lisboa et al [36], in a study of the Atlantic rainforest mammals, found TcII to be present only in tamarins while TcI was found in both Didelphis aurita (big-eared opossum) and lion tamarins, with TcI predominating overall.…”

Hosts and vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units in the Chagas disease endemic region of the Paraguayan Chaco

“…2016) and one E. sexcinctus , in Paraguay (Yeo et al 2005) and from sylvatic mammals in Brazil (Fernandes et al 1999; Bhattacharyya et al 2015; Lisboa et al . 2015). Sylvatic TcII reservoirs are of particular interest as it is considered to be ancient (Westenberger et al 2005; de Freitas et al 2006).…”

First report of Sapajus cay naturally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi in San Pedro Department, Paraguay

“…apella is highly susceptible to T. cruzi infection and has been used as a model for experimental infections, being able to maintain parasitemia during long-term infection, with low level of severe symptoms that characterized Chagas disease in humans and without mortality (ALMEIDA et al, 1992;RIARTE et al, 1995). Long-lasting natural infection was also observed in L. rosalia (golden lion Tamarin) specimens, which after ten-year follow-up were able to maintain high parasitemias (LISBOA et al, 2015). This feature observed in primates can represent a risk factor for T. cruzi introduction and maintenance in the domestic environment, taking into account that they very often are kept as pets in this rural area of Paraguay, where T. infestans and T. sordida specimens were found infesting houses (SENEPA, 2014).…”