# Molecular detection of Trypanosoma minasense in captive black-faced black spider monkeys Ateles chamek (mammalia; primate)

## TL;DR

Researchers found a new type of trypanosome parasite in spider monkeys at a Brazilian zoo for the first time.

## Contribution

This is the first report of Trypanosoma minasense in black-faced black spider monkeys and in non-human primates in southern Brazil.

## Key findings

- Four out of 17 spider monkeys tested positive for Trypanosoma spp. using PCR.
- Sequencing confirmed the presence of Trypanosoma minasense in the infected monkeys.

## Abstract

The present study aimed to assess Trypanosoma spp. infection in 17 captive black-faced black spider monkeys (Ateles chamek), living at the Zoological Garden of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Blood samples (3 mL) were collected by femoral puncture by certified veterinarians. A total of 5 μL of extracted blood DNA was submitted to Nested-PCR 18S rDNA. In overall, 4/17 (23.5%) spider monkeys were positive to Trypanosoma spp. by PCR. Sequencing results for 18S rDNA revealed Trypanosoma minasense infection. This is the first report of T. minasense in black-faced black spider monkey worldwide and the first assessment of Trypanosoma species in NHP of southern Brazil.