This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.This project, which serves as an important sentinel for the health of the outdoor breeding colony, is a survey designed to assess the level of endemicity of known enzootic pathogens. Samples of blood and stool obtained from each animal are examined for parasites of interest. Stool samples are examined by a direct smear and a concentration method. Blood samples are examined by thick and thin blood smears for Plasmodium species and the Knott's test for filariasis. Plasma is examined by ELISA for evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi and DNA is saved for future studies. Potential vectors are trapped weekly by CDC light traps and gravid traps. Mosquitoes are speciated and examined by dipstick ELISA test or the newly-developed LAMP test for West Nile virus (WNV). During 2007 we examined 123 stool samples and 305 blood samples for this project. Notable findings this year included Entopolypoides macacai in one animal. This is a relatively rare piroplasm in NHP and is thought to be clinically benign. Fully one half (50%) of the animals sampled this year harbored Strongyloides f lleborni which is an important pathogen and a series of suggestions were made to the animal care staff as to reducing the incidence of this parasite as well as Trichuris trichiura (44%) which is also a soil-transmitted helminth. We have continued our sampling of milk from mothers with babies to demonstrate vertical transmission of S. f lleborni but have detected no larvae in any samples so far. This parasite has been shown to be present in the milk of African women and its presence in the milk of simian mothers will be an indication that new treatment approaches may need to be developed.
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