| dc.description.abstract | Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite causing gastroenteritis in immunocompetent as well
as immunocompromised humans worldwide. Clinical epidemiology and pathogenesis of Cyclospora
species was studied in 64 wild-trapped Cercopithecus aethiops at Institute of Primate Research,
Nairobi. The monkeys were screened for Cyclospora parasites by conventional microscopy,
examination of hot safranin stained faecal slide smears, Cyclospora specific antibody responses and
molecular characterization of DNA following nested PCR amplification. Efficacy of trimethoprimsulphamethoxazole
therapy for Cyclospora positive monkeys was evaluated. Experimental
Cyclospora infections were established by oral inoculations. Oocyst shedding was used to confirm
establishment and duration of infection. Gross and histopathological characteristics were described.
The animals remained asymptomatic, Cyclospora parasites were identified in 41 (64%) of animals
with infections mostly in male adults. Incubation period was 14-17 days, the duration of infection
one to two months. A PCR product of 294 base pair was visualized, confirming Cyclospora species
in the natural and experimental infections. Cyclospora specific antibody responses were recorded in
34
positive monkeys. Response to treatment was evaluated by cessation Cyclospora oocyst shedding by
D17 post-treatment and decreased Cyclospora specific antibody levels. Relapse infections occurred
in 33% of the treated animals but responded to second TMP-SMX therapy. Pathological findings
recorded were moderate haemorrhagic enteritis, parasites vacuoles in the enterocytes, mild lymph
node enlargement, lymphocytic infiltrations, focal necrosis and granulomas in the liver. In conclusion,
the study demonstrated that African green monkey may offer an appropriate model for study of
Cyclosporiasis. | en_US |
