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Title: CRYPTOSPORIDIUM MURIS-LIKE INFECTION IN STOMACH OF CYNOMOLGUS MONKEYS (MACACA FASCICULARIS)

Author
item Dubey, Jitender
item MARKOVITS, J - NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS
item KILLARY, K - NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS

Submitted to: Veterinary Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2002
Publication Date: 3/20/2002
Citation: Dubey, J.P., Markovits, J.E., Killary, K.A. 2002. Cryptosporidium muris-like infection in stomach of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Veterinary Parasitology 39:363-371.

Interpretive Summary: Parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium are single-celled parasites. Some species of Cryptosporidium cause diarrhea in human beings. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and Novarits Pharmaceuticals report Cryptosporidium in stomach of monkeys associated with a Cryptosporidium muris-like organism for the first time. These findings will be of interest to pathologists, veterinarians, and parasitologists

Technical Abstract: Pathologic changes were studied in stomachs of 15 cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) used in a drug trial. Cryptosporidia were present only in the fundus of gastric glands, primarily in the upper third of the glands. Concurrently all stomachs were colonized by a Helicobacter heilmannii-like organism, but there was no clear correlation between bacterial burden and the number of protozoa. The lamina propria of the majority of stomachs was infiltrated by a primarily mononuclear cellular infiltrate that was occasionally admixed with eosinophils. Only in a few animals did this cellular infiltrate appear to coincide with the presence of protozoa. Epithelial changes occurred primarily in the longer term study and were characterized by the presence of increased amounts of mucus that had decreased staining characteristics on HE. All stages of parasite development (trophozoites, schizonts, gamonts, oocysts) were seen and they structurally resembled Cryptosporidium muris, normally found in stomachs o rodents. Cryptosporidia were not found in other organs. This is the first report of a C. muris-like infection in stomachs of primates.