title: Gastrointestinal Parasites of Ecuadorian Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata aequatorialis) Based on Fecal Analysis.
abstract: An analysis of gastrointestinal parasites of Ecuadorian mantled howler monkeys, Alouatta palliata aequatorialis, was conducted based on examination of fecal smears, flotations, and sedimentations. At least 1 type of parasite was detected in 97% of the 96 fecal samples screened across 19 howler monkey groups using these techniques. Samples averaged 3.6 parasite species per individual (±1.4 SD). Parasites included species representing genera of 2 apicomplexans: Cyclospora sp. (18% of individual samples) and Isospora sp. (3%); 6 other protozoa: Balantidium sp. (9%), Blastocystis sp. (60%), Chilomastix sp. (4%), Dientamoeba sp. (3%), Entamoeba species (56%), Iodamoeba sp. (5%); 4 nematodes: Enterobius sp. (3%), Capillaria sp. (78%), Strongyloides spp. (88%) which included 2 morphotypes, Trypanoxyuris sp. (12%); and the platyhelminth Controrchis sp. (15%). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between group size and each of 3 different estimators of parasite species richness adjusted for sampling effort (ICE: r(2) = 0.24, P = 0.05; Chao2: r(2) = 0.25, P = 0.05, and Jackknife: r(2) = 0.31, P = 0.03). Two significant associations between co-infecting parasites were identified. Based on the prevalence data, individuals infected with Balantidium sp. were more likely to also be infected with Isospora sp. (χ(2) = 6.02, P = 0.01), while individuals harboring Chilomastix sp. were less likely to have Capillaria sp. present (χ(2) = 4.03, P = 0.04).
authors: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Environmental and Forest Biology, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York 13210.
authors: William D
authors: WD
authors: Helenbrook
authors: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Environmental and Forest Biology, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York 13210.
authors: Susan E
authors: SE
authors: Wade
authors: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Environmental and Forest Biology, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York 13210.
authors: William M
authors: WM
authors: Shields
authors: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Environmental and Forest Biology, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York 13210.
authors: Stephen V
authors: SV
authors: Stehman
authors: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Environmental and Forest Biology, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York 13210.
authors: Christopher M
authors: CM
authors: Whipps
mesh_terms: D000508:Alouatta / Q000469:parasitology*; D000818:Animals; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004484:Ecuador / Q000453:epidemiology; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008992:Monkey Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D009348:Nematoda / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010986:Platyhelminths / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015995:Prevalence