Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in captive non-human primates
Background
Infections with gastro-intestinal parasites are widespread among non-human primates (NHP). However, as a consequence of regular deworming and hygienic measures helminth infections are uncommon in captive NHP. In contrast, protozoa such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Balantidium coli are frequently reported in captive NHP, and are considered as important in the aetiology of gastro-enteritis in NHP. Because of the importance of E. histolytica, Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in humans, the role of NHP as potential reservoirs for zoonotic transmission should not be underestimated. Transmission between animals and humans in association with clinical outbreaks in animal caretakers has been reported in various studies. However, studies to quantify the prevalence and importance of these protozoan parasites in zoological gardens are scarce. Most studies describe clinical outbreaks and were based on a limited number of animal and/or parasite species. Moreover, the strategies used to collect faecal samples may thwart the prevalence results.
Current research
Recently, a project has been started to improve the management of these infections through research on
1 - Epidemiology
A large-scale epidemiological study will be conducted at 11 zoological gardens in Belgium (4) and the Netherlands (7) to estimate the prevalence of gastro-intestinal protozoa in NHP. Fresh faecal samples will be collected based on new sampling strategy and will be examined using light microscopy, immunoassays (Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.) and molecular detection techniques (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.). A Bayesian analysis framework will be used to draw inference on the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites and on the test properties of the diagnostic techniques. Risk factors of protozoan infections will be assessed by a questionnaire survey of the animal keepers.
2 - Zoonotic risk
A potential risk of infection for the animal caretakers will be evaluated through the molecular identification of the various Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium species.
3 - Clinical importance and control
When clinical outbreaks occur the presence of infectious microorganisms will be examined and the state of health will be evaluated. If necessary an anti-protozoan treatment will be administrated and its efficacy will be assessed.
Contact
Prof. J. Vercruysse 
Prof. P. Dorny 
Bruno Levecke 
In collaboration with
Prof. P. Dorny (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp)
Dr. F. Vercammen (Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp)
Prof. dr. Berkvens (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp)
Publications since 2002
Levecke, B., Dorny, P., Geurden, T., Vercammen, F., Vercruysse, J., 2007. Gastrointestinal protozoa in non-human primates of four zoological gardens in Belgium. Vet Parasitol 148, 236-46.
Levecke B., Geldhof P., Claerebout E., Dorny P., Vercammen F., Cacciò S.M., Vercruysse J., Geurden T., 2009. Molecular characterisation of Giardia duodenalis in captive nonhuman primates reveals mixed assemblage A & B infections and novel polymorphisms. Int J Parasitol 39, 1595-1601.
Levecke, B., De Wilde, N., Vandenhoute, E., Vercruysse J., 2009. Field validity and feasibility of four techniques for the detection of Trichuris in simians: a model for monitoring drug efficacy in public health? PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. 3(1):e366.
Levecke, B., Dreesen, L., Dorny, P., Verweij, J.J., Vercammen, F., Casaert, S., Vercruysse, J., Geldhof, P. 2010. Molecular identification of Entamoeba spp. in captive nonhuman primates. J Clin Microbiol. 48, 2988-2990.