Patas Research Articles

Molecular Detection and Genetic Diversity of Cytomegaloviruses and Lymphocryptoviruses in Free-Roaming and Captive African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus).

To date, limited information is available on cytomegalovirus (CMV) and lymphocryptovirus (LCV) from Chlorocebus monkeys. We report here high detection rates of herpesviruses in free-roaming African green monkeys (AGMs, Chlorocebus sabaeus) (26.4%, 23/87) and in captive AGMs (75%, 3/4) with respiratory disease on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. LCV (81.25%) was more prevalent than CMV (18.75%) in the AGMs. Applying a bigenic PCR approach (targeting DNA polymerase (DPOL) and glycoprotein B (gB) genes), long sequences were obtained from representative AGM CMV (KNA-SD6) and LCV (KNA-E4, -N6 and -R15) samples, and mixed LCV infections were identified in KNA-N6 and -R15. The nucleotide (nt) sequence (partial DPOL-intergenic region-partial gB) and partial DPOL- and gB-amino acid (aa) sequences of AGM CMV KNA-SD6 were closely related to Cytomegalovirus cercopithecinebeta5 isolates from grivet monkeys, whilst those of AGM LCV KNA-E4 and -N6 (and E4-like gB of KNA-R15) were more closely related to cognate sequences of erythrocebus patas LCV1 from patas monkey than other LCVs, corroborating the concept of cospeciation in the evolution of CMV/LCV. On the other hand, the partial DPOL aa sequence of KNA-R15, and additional gB sequences (N6-gB-2 and R15-gB-2) from samples KNA-N6 and -R15 (respectively) appeared to be distinct from those of Old World monkey LCVs, indicating LCV evolutionary patterns that were not synchronous with those of host species. The present study is the first to report the molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of CMV/LCV from free-roaming/wild and captive AGMs, and is the first report on analysis of CMV nt/deduced aa sequences from AGMs and LCV gB sequences from Chlorocebus monkeys.

Rushing for "burned" food: Why and how does a group of patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) reach freshly burned areas?

Recently, considerable attention has been paid to animal adaptations to anthropogenic environments, such as foraging in burned areas where plants are promoted to regenerate by anthropogenic burning. However, among primates, reports on the utilization of resources that are available immediately after burning have been limited to a few primate species. In this study, we investigated and compared the activity budgets and food categories of a group of patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) in freshly burned areas by comparing them with those in previously burned areas and unburned areas. We also assessed the proportion of time spent in the freshly burned area before and after the fire: GPS collars were fitted to five of the six adults in the group, and their patterns when they traveled toward freshly burned and unburned feeding areas were compared. Patas monkeys spent more time in freshly burned areas after the fire, and they visited such areas mostly for feeding, particularly on roasted seeds of Cissus populnea. Furthermore, patas monkeys traveled faster and in a more synchronized way toward freshly burned areas. This "apparent goal-directed" travel began at least 1h before arriving. Results indicate that the group recognized freshly burned areas as valuable, and the monkeys were able to travel in a goal-directed manner to them despite their variable locations. We suggest that smoke from freshly burned areas provides a visual cue with which to orient to the burned areas. Our results also support the notion that some primates are flexible enough to adapt to and benefit from anthropogenic environmental changes.

Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from a Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas) in China.

Many cases of Toxoplasma gondii infection have been reported worldwide in non-human primates (NHPs), especially in captive New World monkeys. However, few studies on toxoplasmosis in Old World monkeys have been conducted. In this study, serological and molecular biological analyses were carried out to look for T. gondii antibodies and T. gondii infection in 13 NHPs from China. T. gondii infection was confirmed in 8 NHP cases. T. gondii antibodies were detected in 1/5 New World monkeys and in 4/7 Old World monkeys. T. gondii DNA was detected in 3/5 New World monkeys and 5/7 Old World monkeys. The one ring-tailed lemur was negative for both antibodies and DNA of T. gondii. The most common clinical manifestations of T. gondii infection were malaise, poor appetite, emaciation, and foamy nasal discharge. The most common histopathological findings were interstitial pneumonia, necrotic hepatitis, necrotizing myocarditis, lymphadenitis, and necrotic splenitis. One viable T. gondii strain was successfully isolated from the myocardium of a patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) by bioassay in mice. T. gondii tachyzoites were obtained from cell cultures and were designated as TgMonkeyCHn2. The genotype of this strain belongs to ToxoDB genotype #9, and the allele of ROP18/ROP5 gene was 3/6. TgMonkeyCHn2 tachyzoites were avirulent in Swiss mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal toxoplasmosis in a patas monkey. T. gondii infection in patas monkeys may indicate environmental contamination by oocysts. The patas monkey is a new host record for T. gondii.

Effect of Seed Processing by Flying Foxes and the Patas Monkey on the Germination Success of the African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis)

Abstract Animals deliver an important ecosystem service by dispersing plant seeds. Seed dispersers have different effects on the germination success of seeds. This study aimed at examining the effect of seed processing by the patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) and two flying foxes (Micropteropus pusillus and Epomophorus gambianus) on the germination success of African ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis). Flying foxes and patas monkeys were kept in cages and fed ad libitum with African ebony fruits. Seeds processed were collected, measured, and germinated. Seeds processed by monkeys and flying foxes were compared to control seeds which were removed by hand from fruits. Our results showed that the patas monkey and flying foxes preferably processed smaller seeds. Flying foxes improved the germination success from 6.67 to 72.5%. They also reduced the mean germination time up to 5 days. The patas monkey also improved the germination success from 6.67 to 52.5% and reduced the mean germination time up to 4 days. The effect of flying foxes and the patas monkey on the seed germination and its implication for the African ebony plantation dynamic should be explained to communities for their conservation.

Genetic characterization of patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) in new-bussa, niger state, Nigeria

This study was carried out to identify, organize and characterize the Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) genome. Minimally invasive technique was used to obtain the blood samples for analysis. The blood samples were taken with the assistance of a professional veterinary doctor. They were transferred immediately to blood tubes which contain 95% ethanol for preservation and then stored in refrigerator before laboratory analysis. Genetic analyses revealed that the mitogenome was 16,678 base pair (bp) in length, with an overall base composition of 31.8% A, 25.8% T, 29.7% C, and 12.7% G. The A+T content (57.6%) was greater than the G+C content (42.4%). Phylogenetic analysis was based on the COI sequences of 9 individuals from different locations. The newly sequenced individuals are from Benin Republic, South West, Nigeria and North Central, Nigeria, West Africa; while other sequences were downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI database). The nucleotide diversity shows both the frequency and differences between haplotypes, hence, it is a more suitable parameter to estimate the genetic diversity in populations than haplotype diversity. The Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) was used to estimate the genetic distances among the aligned sequences. The study indicates significant genetic differentiation among all of the geographical locations which indicates high genetic distances. The findings revealed a relatively low frequency polymorphisms and absence of variants of alleles among the population of patas. This exemplified a stable demographic history with a stable population size. Hence, the study provides a useful database for analyzing the phylogenetic relationship of Erythrocebus patas. However, further genetic study is recommended for improved conservation of primates in Nigeria.

No evidence for yaws infection in a small‐scale cross‐sectional serosurvey in Ghanaian monkeys

Treponema pallidum (TP) is a spirochaete bacterium with subspecies that in humans cause syphilis (subsp. pallidum), bejel (subsp. endemicum) and yaws (subsp. pertenue; TPE). The latter is target for eradication which requires detailed information on yaws epidemiology. It has been shown that African nonhuman primates (NHPs) are infected with TPE strains that are closely related to the human infecting yaws bacterium. While human yaws infection is known to be endemic in Ghana, there is a paucity of information regarding TPE infection of Ghana's native NHPs. The objective was to perform a small-scale cross-sectional serological screening for antibodies against TPE in Ghanaian monkeys. Due to the reports of TPE-infected NHPs from neighbouring Côte d'Ivore, we hypothesised that monkeys in Ghana are infected with TPE and, therefore, are seropositive for antibodies against-Treponema. We sampled blood from 37 NHPs representing four species: Erythrocebus patas (16/37) 43.2%, Papio anubis (15/37) 40.5%, Chlorocebus sabaeus (3/37) 8.1% and Cercopithecus mona (3/37) 8.1%. Samples were tested using the NHP validated treponemal test ESPLINE TP. All 37 animals were seronegative for yaws infection. We cannot exclude yaws infection in NHPs in Ghana at this point. Our study, in combination with the absence of reports of clinically infected NHPs in a yaws endemic country is, however, supportive for the current thinking that interspecies infection with TPE is extremely rare. This is an important finding for the current ongoing yaws eradication campaign.

EVALUATION OF PARASITIC GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAPTIVE MAMMALS AT OGBA ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN AND NATURE PARK, BENIN CITY

This study investigated the gastro-intestinal helminthes present in the capture-held mammals at Ogba Zoological garden comprising a total of twenty-six(26) resident mammals representing thirteen (13) wildlife species, between the period of March and June, 2019. The objectives of this study were to identify the common helminthes present in the zoo mammals, estimate number of positive animal species and investigate the prevalence, abundance and diversity of the gastro intestinal helminthes among the animals. Fecal samples of the animals were collected from the study site and subjected to direct microscopic examination and concentration techniques. Overall, a total of four (4) helminthes parasites’ eggs and cyst were identified; Strongyle spp. (Threadworm), Trichuris trichuria (Whipworm) Ancyclostoma duodenale (Hookworm) and Nematodes’ eggs. A protozoan species (Entamoeba spp) was also detected in the Grey Monkeys. Fourteen (14) (53.84%) of the sampled animals were infected with the gastrointestinal helminthes parasites and eggs. Strongyle spp (30.8%), was the most prevalent gastro intestinal helminth found among the animals used for the study, while 19.2% prevalence of Hookworm (15.4%) of whipworm, (15.4%) of Entamoeba spp and (3.8%) of Nematode eggs were recorded. The gastro-intestinal helminthes were highly distributed among the Mona monkeys and grey monkeys. The Nematode eggs and larvae were isolated in the Donkey. Hookworm was highly spread among the Baboons and also found in the Civet Cat. 46.16% of the examined animals were free from gastrointestinal helminthes infection. No record of parasitic helminthes were found in the Chimpanzee, Patas monkeys, White-throated monkeys, Crested porcupine, horses, Maxwell duiker, lion and Hyena in the study site

Evaluation of the Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus Patas) Lifestyle and Habitat Management Strategies in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria, for the Development of Ecotourism

The rising human activities around the protected areas have been a significant limitation to wildlife conservation, especially in Nigeria. This study evaluated habitat management for the patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) in Kainji Lake National Park. A field survey through the administration of a structured interview guide was used to extract information on the effective management of the habitat from the park staff. Site assessment was also carried out. Five transects of 1km length were laid at 500m intervals. Four plots of 50m × 50m were alternately laid at 200m intervals in each transect. Enumeration of trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) was carried out while the patas monkey activities were monitored. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Thirty-five (35) tree species were identified and classified based on their IUCN status, with 62.86 % as least concern (L.C.), 22.86 % not evaluated (N.E.), and 5.71 % vulnerable (V.U.), 2.86 % endangered (EN). In contrast, 5.71 % do not have an IUCN status code (N.C.). Activities of patas monkey show that those sighted in plots 1, 14, 18, and 20 were running, while those sighted in plots 7 and 10 were feeding on fruits, seeds, leaves, and flowers. It was also observed that the animal moves in groups. The respondents opined that hunting and capturing are the primary threat to the animal. Registration of visitors, control burning, and regular patrol were the major habitat management strategies at the park. It is recommended that more water holes be provided to limit the animal's movement to less guided areas. The government should procure more patrol vehicles to improve the regular anti-poaching patrol

Can morphotaxa be assessed with photographs? Estimating the accuracy of two-dimensional cranial geometric morphometrics for the study of threatened populations of African monkeys.

The classification of most mammalian orders and families is under debate and the number of species is likely greater than currently recognized. Improving taxonomic knowledge is crucial, as biodiversity is in rapid decline. Morphology is a source of taxonomic knowledge, and geometric morphometrics applied to two dimensional (2D) photographs of anatomical structures is commonly employed for quantifying differences within and among lineages. Photographs are informative, easy to obtain, and low cost. 2D analyses, however, introduce a large source of measurement error when applied to crania and other highly three dimensional (3D) structures. To explore the potential of 2D analyses for assessing taxonomic diversity, we use patas monkeys (Erythrocebus), a genus of large, semi‐terrestrial, African guenons, as a case study. By applying a range of tests to compare ventral views of adult crania measured both in 2D and 3D, we show that, despite inaccuracies accounting for up to one‐fourth of individual shape differences, results in 2D almost perfectly mirror those in 3D. This apparent paradox might be explained by the small strength of covariation in the component of shape variance related to measurement error. A rigorous standardization of photographic settings and the choice of almost coplanar landmarks are likely to further improve the correspondence of 2D to 3D shapes. 2D geometric morphometrics is, thus, appropriate for taxonomic comparisons of patas ventral crania. Although it is too early to generalize, our results corroborate similar findings from previous research in mammals, and suggest that 2D shape analyses are an effective heuristic tool for morphological investigation of small differences.

Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis from Animals and Their Caregivers at the Gdańsk Zoo (Poland) and the Assessment of Zoonotic Transmission.

Simple SummaryBlastocystis is one of the most common microorganisms living in the intestines of humans and various animals worldwide. Although the presence of this microorganism does not cause any ailments in many people, in some others Blastocystis is a source of various gastrointestinal disorders, such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, or lack of appetite, as well as extraintestinal complaints, such as itching and skin rash. Transmission of Blastocystis is possible by direct contact with contaminated individuals, and by consuming water or food contaminated with cysts. It has been suggested that contact between animals and humans may pose a risk of human Blastocystis infection. In our study, we compared Blastocystis isolated from zoo animals and their keepers. The detection of identical sequences of Blastocystis in three monkeys and the man who looked after them showed that transmission of this microorganism between non-human primates (NHPs) and humans is possible under favorable conditions. Our research has shown that further investigation of animals and their in-contact humans is needed to better understand the transmission of Blastocystis between animals and humans and to find out which animals pose a risk of human infection, and to what extent.Blastocystis is a highly genetically diverse gut protist commonly found in humans and various animals. The role of animals in human infection is only partly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the host specificity and possibility of zoonotic transmission of this microorganism. Subtypes of Blastocystis isolated from 201 zoo animals and their 35 caregivers were identified by sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene. Blastocystis was found in 26.86% of animal and 17.14% of human samples. Both mammalian (ST1–ST3, ST5, ST8, ST10, ST13, ST14) and non-mammalian subtypes were detected. Of the subtypes found in non-human primates (ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST13), two subtypes (ST1 and ST3) were also detected in humans. The presence of identical ST1 sequences in three monkeys and their caregiver indicates the possibility of direct transmission of Blastocystis between these animals and humans. Detection of ST5 only in wild boars and peccaries, ST8 only in Marsupial, ST10 and ST14 only in Bovidae, and non-mammalian subtypes in reptiles suggests higher host specificity for these subtypes, and indicates that their transmission between animals and humans is unlikely. Additionally, this was probably the first time that ST5 was found in peccaries, ST2 in patas monkeys, and ST8 in red kangaroos.

Is the southern patas monkey Erythrocebus baumstarki Africa's next primate extinction? Reassessing taxonomy, distribution, abundance, and conservation.

The "Critically Endangered" southern patas monkey Erythrocebus baumstarki, thought to be endemic to Tanzania, has been resurrected to species level based on its geographic isolation, and on the coloration and pattern of its pelage. This study presents the first evidence for E. baumstarki in Kenya and reviews its historic and current geographic distributions based on the literature, museum specimens, online platforms, responses to requests for site records, and our own fieldwork. The distribution of E. baumstarki in the early 20th century was roughly 66,000 km2 . This has declined about 85% to around 9700 km2 at present (post-2009). The current "Extent of Occurrence" is only about 2150 km2 . This species was extirpated from Kenya in about 2015 and from the Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania in about 2011. At present, E. baumstarki appears to be restricted to the protected areas of the western Serengeti, with the western Serengeti National Park being the stronghold. The number of individuals remaining is probably between 100 and 200, including between 50 and 100 mature individuals. The ultimate threat to E. baumstarki is the very rapidly increasing human population, while the main proximate threats are the degradation, loss, and fragmentation of natural habitats, and the related competition with people and livestock for habitat and water, particularly during droughts. Other problems are hunting by poachers and domestic dogs, and probably loss of genetic variation and climate change. This article provides recommendations for reducing the threats and promoting the recovery of E. baumstarki. We hope this article heightens awareness of the dire conservation status of E. baumstarki and encourages an increase in research and conservation action for this monkey.

A large mammal survey in Koyli Alpha Community Wildlife Reserve and its surroundings in the Great Green Wall extension area in Senegal

Wildlife in the Great Green Wall (GGW) area, northern Senegal, is threatened by the cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities, drought, and climatic changes. To support conservation planning in line with the GGW management objectives, we studied large mammal diversity in the Koyli Alpha Community Wildlife Reserve in the GGW extension area. We interviewed local communities, made reconnaissance & transect walks, placed camera traps, and carried out fixed point surveys to map the distribution of mammals & to estimate their relative abundance. The surveys were conducted between May 2017 and December 2019. We identified the presence of nine mammal species belonging to six families: one lagomorph, Cape Hare Lepus capensis; seven carnivores, Common Jackal Canis aureus, Pale/Sand Fox Vulpes pallida, Wild Cat Felis silvestris, Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus, Honey Badger Mellivora capensis, Zorilla Ictonyx striatus, Common Genet Genetta genetta, and one primate, Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas. Our results indicate that the most of the observed species range broadly across the Koyli Alpha Reserve. The Wild Cat and the Sand Fox were also found outside the reserve around the village of Koyli Alpha. Camera trapping events of humans and domestic animals were high throughout the survey area, and the majority of the large mammals observed were mainly nocturnal. The diversity of large wild mammals identified during this study points to the urgent need for the implementation of a management plan of the biodiversity in this area of the Ferlo.

Ecology of Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus Patas) in Buffer Zone Ranges, Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

The buffer zones of Nigerian protected areas are poorly managed. Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) was studied in fact owing to its dearth of information on its ecology and existence in South-West Nigeria National Park. Therefore, it was necessary to examine E. patas spatial distribution and population structure in the Old Oyo National Park buffer zone ranges, situated in South-West Nigeria and as well know its dietary uptake alongside delineating its various activities. Observations were positioned on direct census methods. A total of 60 individuals of E. patas (23 female, 21 male, and 16 young individuals) were sighted within the study period (March to July). The results showed that the highest number of sighted E. patas (18 individuals) was recorded in the month of March while the Marguba range had the highest percentage of sighted E. patas (31.7%). Thirteen plant species were identified as food matters of E. patas while the major activity observed by the majority of E. patas was found feeding on the identified food matters. The food matters consumed were plant parts which included the leaves, flowers, gum, enflamed spikes, and fruits. Actions to uphold and guard the remaining populace of E. patas in the Park and buffer zones should be adequately fortified.

Using meta-barcoding tools to monitor primate meat consumption at dedicated establishments in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

Guinea-Bissau (GB) is a regional stronghold for primate conservation. Ten primates occur in the country, including the Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) and two colobus monkeys (Colobus polykomos and Piliocolobus badius temminckii). Primate meat is consumed at households and bushmeat-dedicated establishments, locally named "Abafatório". Such establishments are mentioned to be common in urban areas since the 1980s and to be specialized in serving primate meat while drinking alcoholic beverages. The meat is typically cooked in a stew and eaten with bread. However, as the trade and consumption of primate meat are illegal activities, the location of Abafatório establishments and details of the trade, namely species being consumed, are usually hidden from outsiders. Here, we characterize illicit bushmeat commerce and consumption at six Abafatórios of a small town. Our team visited the establishments every week for 15 months (2015-2017) and collected data on the type and prices of meals and gathered tissue samples taken from carcasses by establishment owners. A meta-barcoding approach (cytb and 12S mitochondrial DNA regions and Illumina MiSeq next-generation sequencing technology) was used to identify tissue samples to the species level. Two types of establishments can be distinguished – “restaurants” and “snack-bars”. Restaurants are similar to the ones found by previous works in the capital city where primate meat is sold as a dish containing few pieces of stewed meat. Snack-bars are smaller and the meat is sold inexpensively and by the piece. In the present study, 249 tissue samples were identified to be from four primates (Cercopithecus campbelli, Chlorocebus sabaeus, Papio papio, and Erythrocebus patas) and four Artiodactyla (Philantomba maxwellii, Tragelaphus scriptus, Potamochoerus porcus and Phacochoerus africanus). Primates represented approximately 92% of all species consumed across establishments, and C. campbelli was the most traded species. Our work suggests that primate meat is monetarily accessible for locals in rural areas and that the trade at Abafatórios may have extensive negative consequences to primate conservation, in particular, the reduction of primates' populations in the southern part of GB. Our work quantifies and identifies the species consumed in Abafatório establishments for the first time and highlights the need to improve regulation and law enforcement in Guinea-Bissau.

Simian Varicella Virus: Molecular Virology and Mechanisms of Pathogenesis.

Simian varicella virus (SVV) was first isolated in 1966 from African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) imported from Nairobi, Kenya, to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom (UK) (Clarkson et al., Arch Gesamte Virusforsch 22:219-234, 1967). SVV infection caused severe disease that resulted in a 56% case fatality rate (CFR) in the imported animals within 48h of the appearance of a varicella-like rash (Clarkson et al., Arch Gesamte Virusforsch 22:219-234, 1967; Hemme et al., Am J Trop Med Hyg 94:1095-1099, 2016). The deceased animals presented with fever, widespread vesicular rash, and multiple hemorrhagic foci throughout the lungs, liver, and spleen (Clarkson et al., Arch Gesamte Virusforsch 22:219-234, 1967). This outbreak was quickly followed by a second outbreak in 47 patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) imported from Chad and Nigeria by Glaxo Laboratories (London, England, UK), which quickly spread within the facility (McCarthy et al., Lancet 2:856-857, 1968).

Five novel bifidobacterial species isolated from faeces of primates in two Czech zoos: Bifidobacterium erythrocebi sp. nov., Bifidobacterium moraviense sp. nov., Bifidobacterium oedipodis sp. nov., Bifidobacterium olomucense sp. nov. and Bifidobacterium panos sp. nov.

Five Bifidobacterium strains, VB23T, VB24T, VB25T, VB26T and VB31T, were isolated from chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), Goeldi's marmoset (Callimico goeldii), moustached tamarin (Saguinus mystax) and patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas), respectively, which were kept in two Czech zoos. These strains were isolated from faecal samples and were Gram-positive, non-motile, non-sporulating, anaerobic and fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase-positive. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA revealed close relatedness between VB23T and Bifidobacterium angulatum LMG 11039T (96.0 %), VB24T and Bifidobacterium pullorum subsp. pullorum DSM 20433T (96.1 %), VB25T and Bifidobacterium goeldii LMG 30939T (96.5 %), VB26T and Bifidobacterium imperatoris LMG 30297T (98.1 %), and VB31T and B. angulatum LMG 11039T (99.40 %). Internal transcribed spacer profiling revealed that VB23T, VB24T, VB25T, VB26T and VB31T had highest similarity to Bifidobacterium breve LMG 13208T (77.2 %), Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697T (85.8 %), Bifidobacterium biavatii DSM 23969T (76.9 %), B. breve LMG 13208T (81.2 %) and B. angulatum LMG 11039T (88.2 %), respectively. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) analyses with their closest neighbours supported the independent phylogenetic positions of the strains with values between 86.3 and 94.3 % for ANI and 25.8 and 54.9 % for dDDH. These genomic and phylogenetic analyses suggested that the evaluated strains were novel Bifidobacterium species named Bifidobacterium erythrocebi sp. nov. (VB31T=DSM 109960T=CCUG 73843T), Bifidobacterium moraviense sp. nov. (VB25T=DSM 109958T=CCUG 73842T), Bifidobacterium oedipodis sp. nov. (VB24T=DSM 109957T=CCUG 73932T), Bifidobacterium olomucense sp. nov. (VB26T=DSM 109959T=CCUG 73845T) and Bifidobacterium panos sp. nov. (VB23T=DSM 109963T=CCUG 73840T).

Epigenetic silencing of CD4 expression in nonpathogenic SIV infection in African green monkeys.

African green monkeys (AGMs) are natural hosts of SIV that postthymically downregulate CD4 to maintain a large population of CD4–CD8aa+ virus-resistant cells with Th functionality, which can result in AGMs becoming apparently cured of SIVagm infection. To understand the mechanisms of this process, we performed genome-wide transcriptional analysis on T cells induced to downregulate CD4 in vitro from AGMs and closely related patas monkeys and T cells that maintain CD4 expression from rhesus macaques. In T cells that downregulated CD4, pathway analysis revealed an atypical regulation of the DNA methylation machinery, which was reversible when pharmacologically targeted with 5-aza-2 deoxycytidine. This signature was driven largely by the dioxygenase TET3, which became downregulated with loss of CD4 expression. CpG motifs within the AGM CD4 promoter region became methylated during CD4 downregulation in vitro and were stably imprinted in AGM CD4–CD8aa+ T cells sorted directly ex vivo. These results suggest that AGMs use epigenetic mechanisms to durably silence the CD4 gene. Manipulation of these mechanisms could provide avenues for modulating SIV and HIV-1 entry receptor expression in hosts that become progressively infected with SIV, which could lead to novel therapeutic interventions aimed to reduce HIV viremia in vivo.

Genomic diversity of Escherichia coli isolates from non-human primates in the Gambia.

Increasing contact between humans and non-human primates provides an opportunity for the transfer of potential pathogens or antimicrobial resistance between host species. We have investigated genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from four species of non-human primates in the Gambia: Papio papio (n=22), Chlorocebus sabaeus (n=14), Piliocolobus badius (n=6) and Erythrocebus patas (n=1). We performed Illumina whole-genome sequencing on 101 isolates from 43 stools, followed by nanopore long-read sequencing on 11 isolates. We identified 43 sequence types (STs) by the Achtman scheme (ten of which are novel), spanning five of the eight known phylogroups of E. coli . The majority of simian isolates belong to phylogroup B2 – characterized by strains that cause human extraintestinal infections – and encode factors associated with extraintestinal disease. A subset of the B2 strains (ST73, ST681 and ST127) carry the pks genomic island, which encodes colibactin, a genotoxin associated with colorectal cancer. We found little antimicrobial resistance and only one example of multi-drug resistance among the simian isolates. Hierarchical clustering showed that simian isolates from ST442 and ST349 are closely related to isolates recovered from human clinical cases (differences in 50 and 7 alleles, respectively), suggesting recent exchange between the two host species. Conversely, simian isolates from ST73, ST681 and ST127 were distinct from human isolates, while five simian isolates belong to unique core-genome ST complexes – indicating novel diversity specific to the primate niche. Our results are of planetary health importance, considering the increasing contact between humans and wild non-human primates.

Prevalence and morphotype diversity of Trichuris species and other soil-transmitted helminths in captive non-human primates in northern Nigeria

A study to determine the prevalence and morphotype diversity of soil-transmitted helminths in captive non-human primates (NHPs) in northern Nigeria was conducted. Simple flotation and sedimentation methods were used to examine fecal samples. A Morphometric analysis was done on Trichuris spp. eggs to determine the diversity of whipworm circulating in NHPs in the study area. High prevalence (60%) of infection was recorded in captive NHPs; Patas Monkey (n=17), Tantalus Monkey (n=9), Mona Monkey (n=7), Vervet Monkey (n=2), Mangabey Monkey (n=1), Baboon (n=14), and Chimpanzee (n=8) from parks and zoological gardens located in four Nigerian states (Borno, Gombe, Kano, and Plateau) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Captive NHPs examined were infected with helminths either as single, double or triple infections. Four zoonotic soil transmitted helminth (STH) genera, Trichuris, Strongyloides, Ancylostoma, and Enterobius were detected in the examined animals. Eggs of Trichuris spp. were the most prevalent with four morphotypes suggesting several morphotypes of whipworm were circulating among the NHPs in this region. Further studies are required to elucidate the epidemiologic and public health implications of these findings.

Non-human primates in the Gambia harbour human-associated pathogenic Escherichia coli strains

Increasing contact between humans and non-human primates provides an opportunity for the transfer of potential pathogens or antimicrobial resistance between different host species. We have investigated genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from a range of non-human primates dispersed across the Gambia: patas monkey (n=1), western colobus monkey (n=6), green monkey (n=14) and guinea baboon (n=22). From 43 stools, we recovered 99 isolates. We performed Illumina whole-genome shotgun sequencing on all isolates and nanopore long-read sequencing on isolates with antimicrobial resistance genes. We inferred the evolution of E. coli in this population using the EnteroBase software environment. We identified 43 sequence types (ten of them novel), spanning five of the eight known phylogroups of E. coli. Many of the observed sequence types and phylotypes from non-human primates have been associated with human extra-intestinal infection and carry virulence characteristics associated with disease in humans, particularly ST73, ST217 and ST681. However, we found a low prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes in isolates from non-human primates. Hierarchical clustering showed that ST442 and ST349 from non-human primates are closely related to isolates from human infections, suggesting recent exchange of bacteria between humans and monkeys. Our results are of public health importance, considering the increasing contact between humans and wild primates.