TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI PREVALENCE AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC TRENDS IN LEMURS ON ST. CATHERINES ISLAND, GEORGIA

• DOI: 10.1645/ge-936r.1
• Publication Date: 2007-03-21T20:05:55Z
• Authors: Chris A. Hall; Crystal Polizzi; Michael J. Yabsley; Terry M. Norton
• Keywords: Lemur catta; Epizootiology; Chagas Disease

Lemurs on St. Catherines Island, Georgia were tested for Trypanosoma cruzi infection to develop a better understanding of the epizootiology parasite in nonhuman primates southeastern United States. Fifty-six ring-tailed (Lemur catta), blue-eyed black (Eulemur macaco flavifrons), and black-and-white ruffed (Varecia variegata variegata) lemurs by hemoculture serology determine prevalence T. population. Of those 3 (5%) identified as culture positive 25 (44.6%) seropositive. When results compared with from similar study performed 1997, remained unchanged. Genetic characterization isolates indicated they belong IIa group, which is identical strains previously isolated raccoons island. Despite occurrence population, there was no evidence that health compromised result infection. Based upon available breeding records we speculate both vertical vector-mediated transmission play significant roles epidemiology This also represents first report autochthonous lemurs.