Helminthic infestation complicated by intussusception in baboons (Papio hamadryas)

Gastrointestinal tract pathology of the owl monkey (Aotus spp.)

Owl monkeys are small nocturnal new world primates in the genus Aotus that are most used in biomedical research for malaria. Cardiomyopathy and nephropathy are well-described common diseases contributing to their morbidity and mortality; less is known about lesions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Records from a 14-year period (2008-2022) at the Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research were queried to identify instances of spontaneous gastrointestinal disease that directly contributed to the cause of death from the 235 adult owl monkeys submitted for necropsy. Of the 235, 10.6% (25/235) had gastrointestinal disease listed as a significant factor that contributed to morbidity and mortality. Diagnoses included candidiasis (3/25), gastric bloat (4/25), and intestinal incarceration and ischemia secondary (11/25), which included intussusception (4/25), mesenteric rent (3/25), strangulating lipoma (2/25), intestinal torsion (1/25), and an inguinal hernia (1/25). Intestinal adenocarcinomas affecting the jejunum (4/25) were the most common neoplasia diagnosis. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (1/25) and intestinal lymphoma (2/25) were also diagnosed. This report provides evidence of spontaneous lesions in the species that contribute to morbidity and mortality.

Diversity of parasites in two captive chimpanzee populations in southern Gabon

Captive chimpanzees living in confined environments like sanctuaries or primatology centers are frequently affected by gastrointestinal parasites. Some of these are likely to be transmitted to humans and may seriously affect public health. However little information is currently available on the gastrointestinal parasites of primates living in such environments. Here, we characterize the diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in two populations of captive chimpanzees living in south-eastern Gabon. Our study reveals that at least nine parasite species infect the chimpanzees with high prevalence, including several helminths (Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Hymenolepis spp., Mammomonogamus spp), three protozoa (Balantioides spp., Entamoeba spp. and Troglodytella spp) and several unidentified parasites. All the parasite taxa we identified had previously been identified in other primates, including humans. Age, sex and site type may influence infection rates and/or parasite diversity found in a particular host.

Severe whipworm (Trichuris spp.) infection in the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas)

A 3-year-old male hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) at the Seoul Zoo, Korea, died without any previous symptoms. Necropsy revealed severe whipworm infection in the large intestine. The animal weighed 2.6 kg and had a blood clot at the anus. Numerous whipworms were found attached to the intestinal wall, with their anterior ends embedded in the mucosa. Fecal microscopy revealed typical barrel-shaped, brown eggs of Trichuris spp., with hyaline polar plugs at each end. Histopathological examination revealed the thin anterior part of Trichuris spp. embedded in the mucosal layer and the thick posterior part at the mucosal surface or hanging freely in the intestinal lumen. This case emphasizes the importance of parasitic infection management in zoo animals.

First report on Aonchotheca annulosa Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda, Capillariidae) in a Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) from a zoo in northern Turkey

BACKGROUND

A dead male Hamadryas baboon, Papio hamadryas, from a zoo in Samsun in northern Turkey was submitted for necropsy examination.

METHODS

Standard techniques were performed for necropsy and for parasitic identification.

RESULTS

A total of 14 nematodes were recovered from the small intestine. All nematodes were identified as Aonchotheca annulosa.

CONCLUSIONS

This nematode is most often reported from murid rodents under natural conditions. To date, little is known about the occurrence of A. annulosa in monkeys, with the exception of a single report in a capuchin monkey. This is the first record of A. annulosa from P. hamadryas.