Estudo endócrino reprodutivo e do comportamento sócio-sexual de sagui-de-tufo-preto (Callithrix penicillata) mantido em cativeiro

Parasites and Viruses in Callithrix in Brazil

PURPOSE

As a result of environmental imbalances of anthropogenic origin, the potential for transmission of parasites and viruses between different primates, including humans, might increase. Thus, parasitic studies have great relevance to primatology, which motivated us to conduct a literature review to synthesize the information available in American primates of the Callithrix genus.

METHODS

We carried out the bibliographic search on the main groups of parasites (protozoa, helminths, arthropods, ectoparasites) and viruses found in Callithrix in Brazil in search platforms and consider all manuscript that appeared in search engines, published between the years 1910 and December 2022. In each selected article, the following information was recorded: the host species; parasite taxa; scientific classification of the parasite; host habitat (free-living, captive); diagnostic technique; state; and bibliographic reference. Data were tabulated and arranged in a parasite-host table.

RESULTS

Some endemic genera, such as Callithrix, are widely distributed geographically across Brazil and have characteristics of adaptation to different habitats due to their flexibility in diet and behavior. These factors can make them subject to a greater diversity of parasites and viruses in the country. Here, we identified 68 parasitic taxa, belonging to the clades protozoa (n = 22), helminths (n = 34), ectoparasites (n = 7), and viruses (n = 5). Out of this total, 19 have zoonotic potential. Of the six existing marmoset species, Callithrix jacchus was the most frequent in studies, and Callithrix flaviceps did not have reports. All regions of the country had occurrences, mainly the Southeast, where 54% of the cases were reported. In 46% of the reported parasites and viruses, it was not possible to identify the corresponding species.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that in part of the works the identification methods are not being specific, which makes it difficult to identify the species that affects Callithrix spp. Furthermore, the studies present geographic disparities, being concentrated in the southeast of the country, making it impossible to have a more uniform analysis of the findings. Thus, it is observed that information about parasites and viruses is incipient in the genus Callithrix in Brazil.

Abdominal ultrasound in Saguinus ursulus

BACKGROUND

The classification of Saguinus ursulus as a new taxon and the vulnerability of this species highlighted the need for data on its specific morphophysiological attributes. This study used ultrasound to determine the typical characteristics of pelvic-abdominal structures and organs.

METHODS

Nine healthy primates of the species S. ursulus were evaluated, through ultrasound tests, to determine the morphometry of the organs of the pelvic-abdominal cavity and the levels of ovarian activity.

RESULTS

Topography, morphology, and biometrics of the organs were described. It was observed that organs of S. ursulus are similar to those of other Neotropical primate species. However, the kidney morphology is different,the left is triangular and the right is elliptical, while the gallbladder is bilobed.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography has proven to be efficient and effective for organ evaluation. The ultrasound findings are a first step toward understanding the physiology of a less-known species.

Suppression of ovarian activity in a captive African Lion Panthera leo after deslorelin treatment

Abstract: With the intent to evaluate the efficiency of a contraceptive treatment for cyclic ovarian suppression in African Lionesses Panthera leo using a Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist bioimplant, noninvasive fecal steroid assay associated with the observation of the behavioral estrus were employed for a period of 36 months.  Five captive adult females, maintained with a vasectomized male, subcutaneously received a 9.4mg deslorelin acetate implant.  The treatment initially stimulated behavioral estrus along with ovarian activity, demonstrated by an estrogen increase in two lionesses.  A rise in progesterone concentration in two other animals suggested possible treatment-induced ovulation.  After the initial period, deslorelin prevented ovarian activity for at least 22 months.  Two females exhibited signs of behavioral estrus after 22 and 31 months.  A third lioness with an increased estrogen concentration did not exhibit behavioral estrus signs or a consequent progesterone surge until 33 months after implantation, suggesting a possible resumption of ovarian activity.  One female did not exhibit any behavioral estrus signs nor a rise in steroid levels after the “treatment-induced” estrus throughout the entire experiment (36 months).  One lioness died after 15 months without exhibiting signs of estrus or an increased progesterone level, however, the estrogen concentration increased 12 months post-implantation, suggesting resumed ovarian activity.  The study showed that long-term treatment with a GnRH agonist can be extremely effective as a contraceptive treatment in African lionesses, however, the duration of contraception may vary among individuals and may bear the risk of permanent loss of normal ovarian activity.