First Molecular Identification of Trypanosomes and Absence of Babesia sp. DNA in Faeces of Non-Human Primates in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract

Trypanosomes are a group of pathogens distributed in the continents of Africa, America, Asia and Europe, and they affect all vertebrates including the neotropical primate group. Information about the trypanosome’s diversity, phylogeny, ecology and pathology in non-human primates (NHPs) from the neotropical region is scarce. The objective of the study was to identify Trypanosoma and Babesia molecularly in NHPs under the phylogenetic species concept. We extracted DNA from a total of 76 faecal samples collected between 2019 and 2021, from a total of 11 non-human primate species of which 46 are from captive NHPs and 30 are free-living NHPs in the Western Amazon region of Ecuador. We did not detect DNA of Babesia sp. by polymerase chain reaction test in any of the faecal samples. However, the nested-PCR-based method revealed Trypanosoma parasites by ITS gene amplification in two faecal samples; one for the species Leontocebus lagonotus (from the captive population) and a second one for Cebus albifrons (from the free-ranging population). Maximum parsimony and likelihood methods with the Kimura2+G+I model inferred the evolutionary history of the two records, which showed an evolutionary relationship with the genus Trypanosoma. Two sequences are monophyletic with Trypanosoma. However, the number of sequences available in GenBank for their species identification is limited. The two samples present different molecular identifications and evolutionary origins in the tree topology. We are most likely referring to two different species, and two different localities of infection. We suggest that health management protocols should be implemented to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as Trypanosoma sp. among captive populations. In addition, these protocols also protect the personnel of wildlife rehabilitation centers working in close proximity to NHPs and vice versa.

Arboviruses in Mammals in the Neotropics: A Systematic Review to Strengthen Epidemiological Monitoring Strategies and Conservation Medicine

“…This is called publication bias [ 210 ]. Negative results are important because they may have an ecological, behavioral, or management explanation [ 211 ], which can directly contribute to our knowledge of infectious and parasitic diseases and contribute to epidemiological monitoring plans or policies. Additionally, in some neotropical countries, most research remains unpublish for economic reasons or publication rejections [ 212 ], which favors the perception that it is better not to publish negative results.…”

From roads to biobanks: Roadkill animals as a valuable source of genetic data

“…Pathogen data can be obtained using traditional sampling methods (from live animals), but these are often invasive and can negatively affect wildlife, so there is a need for improved methods [12]. Alternative methods based on non-invasive sampling from excretions or feces avoid impact but often the amount of extracted DNA is low [13,14]. Sampling roadkill could be a useful approach in areas where roads exist, offering no sampling impact and potentially higher DNA yield.…”