Parasites of Free-Ranging and Captive American Primates: A Systematic Review

Silvia Rondón,Andrés Link,Serena Cavallero,Erika Renzi,Camila González,Stefano D’Amelio

doi:10.3390/microorganisms9122546

Silvia Rondón, Andrés Link + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122546

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Abstract

The diversity, spread, and evolution of parasites in non-human primates (NHPs) is a relevant issue for human public health as well as for NHPs conservation. Although previous reviews have recorded information on parasites in NHPs (Platyrrhines) in the Americas, the increasing number of recent studies has made these inventories far from complete. Here, we summarize information about parasites recently reported in Platyrrhines, attempting to build on earlier reviews and identify information gaps. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Ninety-three studies were included after the screening process. Records for 20 genera of NHPs, including 90 species were found. Most of the studies were conducted on captive individuals (54.1%), and morphological approaches were the most used for parasite identification. The most commonly collected biological samples were blood and stool, and Protozoa was the most frequent parasite group found. There is still scarce (if any) information on the parasites associated to several Platyrrhine species, especially for free-ranging populations. The use of molecular identification methods can provide important contributions to the field of NHPs parasitology in the near future. Finally, the identification of parasites in NHPs populations will continue to provide relevant information in the context of pervasive habitat loss and fragmentation that should influence both human public health and wildlife conservation strategies.

Highlights

Public health, animal welfare, and pathogen transfer to and from wild populations are among the current primary issues of concern in the framework of the One-Health concept.Such aspects are even more relevant in areas of the world such as South America, where biodiversity is declining at high rates and the rate of deforestation is growing
According to the parasite group, protozoa were overall the most reported along non-human primates (NHPs) genera (Table 1)
It was found that 54.1% studies were conducted on captive NHPs and 45.9% on free-ranging animals, while the source of biological sample and diagnostic method mostly used were blood and morphology, respectively (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Animal welfare, and pathogen transfer to and from wild populations are among the current primary issues of concern in the framework of the One-Health concept. Such aspects are even more relevant in areas of the world such as South America, where biodiversity is declining at high rates and the rate of deforestation is growing. There is compelling evidence on how habitat loss and fragmentation may favor contact between humans and other animals, representing a potential threat for both [1] In this scenario, non-human primates (NHPs) are of particular interest because of their close phylogenetic relationship with humans and their known role as reservoirs of zoonotic agents [2].

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