Bertiella sp. Infection patterns in black and gold howler monkeys across their distribution.

KOWALEWSKI, MARTIN; TORRES, JULIO; MILOZZI, CAROLA; GILLESPIE, THOMAS R

Primatology in Argentina

Sociedad Argentina para Estudio de los Mamíferos SAREM

Lugar: Mendoza; Año: 2017; p. 219 - 233

Bertielosis is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with the cestode Bertiella mucronata. The definitive hosts of B. mucronata are non-human primates. In this study, we explore the relationship between Alouatta caraya and Bertiella mucronata. Alouatta caraya is the only species of the Alouatta genus infected by B. mucronata across its distribution. In our study site, we intensively sampled numerous howler monkeys. B. mucronata prevalence was high, independent of the habitat type or season. In a meta-analysis comparing patterns of infection across sites we observed no differences in prevalence due to sex or age. High prevalence of B. mucronata at all sites suggests that black and gold howler monkeys may serve as a viable reservoir for this tapeworm. These results highlight the need for future research into the epidemiology, cross-species transmission ecology, and clinical consequences of B. mucronata and other infectious agents not only in humans and livestock, but also in wild animals that coexist in same environments.