Treatment of giardiasis in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with tinidazole.
Giardia intestinalis is a common protozoan parasite that can infect many laboratory animal primates, although its role as a contributor to the induction of gastrointestinal disease remains unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of Giardia in a colony of common marmosets by using a Giardia antigen-capture assay and to address the possible eradication of this infection by using tinidazole, an antiprotozoal similar to metronidazole but requiring fewer doses. Among 31 colony marmosets, 13 (42%) were positive for Giardia. Two doses of oral tinidazole eliminated the infection in all animals. Repeat testing of the 13 Giardia-positive monkeys 1 y later showed that 11 remained negative and that treated animals had a significant increase in weight at 1 y. Giardia antigen is common in common marmoset feces, and treatment using oral tinidazole is possible and highly effective.
Kramer
Joshua A
JA
Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, Massachusetts, USA.
Hachey
Audra M
AM
Wachtman
Lynn M
LM
Mansfield
Keith G
KG
D000818:Animals; D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002144:Callithrix / Q000469:parasitology*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D016829:Giardia lamblia / Q000276:immunology; D005873:Giardiasis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D006801:Humans; D008992:Monkey Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014011:Tinidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents; D014011:Tinidazole