Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in captive Sapajus spp

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in captive capuchin monkeys at a facility in the northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 116 bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus), nine blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius), five black-capped capuchin (Sapajus apella), and four capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) were tested for T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off ≥25); antibodies were found in 85.3% (99/116) of S. libidinosus, 55.6% (5/9) of S. flavius, 80.0% (4/5) of S. apella, and 75.0% (3/4) of S. spp. The risk factors associated with T. gondii seropositivity were ingestion of raw meat [OR = 4.13 (1.26; 13.50)] and old age [OR = 4.90 (1.70; 14.13)]. Results indicate a very high T. gondii seropositivity in these primate populations. To minimize exposure to T. gondii raw meat should not be fed to these animals.

Seroprevalence of selected flaviviruses in free-living and captive capuchin monkeys in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

“…Free‐living animals were collected at the Atlantic Forest in the border of Pernambuco and Paraíba States, the epicentre of the current ZIKV outbreak (Figure ) (animals were sampled for another non‐viral‐related research project). Free‐living animals were initially captured using Tomahawk‐type metal traps and then using dip nets and leather‐shaved gloves (the latter two methods were also used to manage captive animals) (Ferreira et al., ). Animals were sedated prior to blood collection using ketamine chloride (10 mg/kg), xylazine chloride (1 mg/kg) and diazepam (1 mg/kg) (Ferreira et al., ).…”

“…Free‐living animals were initially captured using Tomahawk‐type metal traps and then using dip nets and leather‐shaved gloves (the latter two methods were also used to manage captive animals) (Ferreira et al., ). Animals were sedated prior to blood collection using ketamine chloride (10 mg/kg), xylazine chloride (1 mg/kg) and diazepam (1 mg/kg) (Ferreira et al., ). Five millilitres of blood was obtained from each animal by cephalic or femoral vein, centrifuged, and sera were stored at −20°C.…”

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in captive non‐human primates in the Amazon region, Brazil

“…This indicated that monkeys are exposed to the parasite and become infected probably due consumption of food or water contaminated with oocysts. High frequencies of positive animals are reported in monkeys kept in captivity with differences among species …”

“…The magnitude of titers determined through the MAT does not help in judging the recentness of infection because this test only assays IgG antibodies. Animals can develop very high IgG titers within 3 weeks of infection, and titers can remain elevated for several months . It is noteworthy that antibodies to T. gondii (with titers up to 51 200) can be retained in serum samples stored for years after sampling.…”

“…High frequencies of positive animals are reported in monkeys kept in captivity with differences among species. 13,15 Animals can develop very high IgG titers within 3 weeks of infection, and titers can remain elevated for several months. 15 It is noteworthy that antibodies to T. gondii (with titers up to 51 200) can be retained in serum samples stored for years after sampling.…”