Detection and characterization of zoonotic pathogens of free-ranging non-human primates from Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Wildlife may harbor infectious pathogens that are of zoonotic concern acting as a reservoir of diseases transmissible to humans and domestic animals. This is due to human-wildlife conflicts that have become more frequent and severe over recent decades, competition for the available natural habitats and resources leading to increased human encroachment on previously wild and uninhabited areas.

Methods

A total of 88 spleen DNA samples from baboons and vervet monkeys from Zambia were tested for zoonotic pathogens using genus or species-specific PCR. The amplified products were then subjected to sequencing analysis.

Results

We detected three different pathogenic agents, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 12 samples (13.6%), Rickettsia spp. in 35 samples (39

SUBMITTER: Nakayima J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4221724 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature