Work

Biochemical changes in cerebrospinal fluid of Chlorocebus aethiops naturally infected with zoonotic Meningonema peruzzii

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Thirty-four wild Chlorocebus aethiops monkeys were trapped for research purposes. METHODS: During routine quarantine check-up, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were microscopically examined for parasites. Estimations of CSF protein levels were made by the biuret method and the white cell counts by the hemocytometer. RESULTS: Seven monkeys demonstrated microfilariae in blood and CSF. This was accompanied by a two- and ninefold increase in CSF total protein and white cell counts, respectively. Necropsy of one of the blood and CSF microfilariae-positive animals revealed the presence of adult worms in the brain meninges. The parasites were identified as the zoonotic filaroid nematode Meningonema peruzii. CONCLUSIONS: Wild C. aethiops monkeys developed CSF changes resulting, most probably, from infection with M. peruzii. Moreover, the monkeys could be acting as an important reservoir. The study highlights the need for epidemiological and pathogenological studies of this parasite, which is of public health significance. Moreover, C. aethiops proved to be a useful primate model for the study of this zoonotic infection.

Source: Journal of Medical Primatology

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0684.2008.00282.x

Authors: R.M. Ngure, S.M. Karanja, N.K. Mungatana, C.N. Wamae, J.M. Ngotho, C.W. Gichuki

Institutions: Egerton University, Kenya Medical Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Tulane University