scholarly journals Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA in Olive Baboons and Vervet monkeys in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Jerusa Masika ◽  
Gerald Mwangi Muchemi ◽  
Joseph Muiruri Kamau ◽  
Tequiero Abuom ◽  
Samson Kamawe Mutura
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Olive Baboons ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus

Abstract BackgroundNonhuman primates (NHPs) occupy an important place in zoonotic spill-overs, serving as either reservoirs or amplifiers of multiple neglected tropical diseases including tick-borne infections. Anaplasmosis is caused by obligate intracellular bacteria of the family Anaplasmatacae. They are transmitted by Ixodid tick species and have a wide host range including wild animals, domestic animals and humans. The aim of this study was to establish the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys in Laikipia County, Kenya.ResultsA total of 164 whole blood samples, collected by USAID Predict II project from Laikipia County, 17 Kenya, were included in the study. These comprised of 146 samples from Olive baboons (Papio anubis) and 18 from Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) respectively from Mpala Research Center and Ol jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County. Using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), positive results for A. phagocytophilum in 26 Olive baboons and 4 Vervet monkeys were detected with primer sets EHR16SD/R. However, low sensitivity was observed with the p44 gene. The amplification of DNA template with the primer set p44 (p3709 5/ p4257 23 5) using nested PCR could not be obtained. Our results revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum in Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys. This study found an overall prevalence of 18.3% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A distinct genotype of A. phagocytophilum was detected that was different from the others in the gene bank database.ConclusionThis study provides valuable information on the presence of A. phagocytophilum bacteria in Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys in Kenya. It indicates a need for future research to establish the public health implications of zoonotic A. phagocytophilum isolates and the role of nonhuman primates as reservoirs.

scholarly journals Molecular evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Jerusa Masika ◽  
Gerald Mwangi Muchemi ◽  
Tequiero Abuom Okumu ◽  
Samson Mutura ◽  
Dawn Zimmerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Olive Baboons ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Abstract Background Nonhuman primates (NHPs) play a significant role in zoonotic spill-overs, serving as either reservoirs, or amplifiers, of multiple neglected tropical diseases, including tick-borne infections. Anaplasma phagocytophilum are obligate intracellular bacteria of the family Anaplasmatacae, transmitted by Ixodid ticks and cause granulocytic anaplasmosis (formerly known as Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE)) in a wide range of wild and domestic mammals and humans too. The aim of this study was to determine whether Anaplasma phagocytophilum was circulating in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Laikipia County, Kenya. Results Some 146 blood samples collected from olive baboons and 18 from vervet monkeys from Mpala Research Center and Ol jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County were screened for the presence of Anaplasma species using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and then A. phagocytophilum was confirmed by sequencing using conventional PCR targeting 16S rRNA. This study found an overall prevalence of 18.3% for Anaplasma species. DNA sequences confirmed Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons for the first time in Kenya. Conclusion This study provides valuable information on the endemicity of A. phagocytophilum bacteria in olive baboons in Kenya. Future research is needed to establish the prevalence and public health implications of zoonotic A. phagocytophilum isolates and the role of nonhuman primates as reservoirs in the region.

scholarly journals Olive baboons' (Papio anubis) response towards crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) at Lake Manyara National Park

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa M. D. Paciência ◽  
Deusdedith Baluya ◽  
Pay Mbaryo ◽  
Sascha Knauf ◽  
Dietmar Zinner
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Alarm Calls ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Olive Baboons ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus ◽  
Northern Tanzania ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Banded Mongoose ◽  
Procavia Capensis

Abstract. In this paper we report on two encounters between olive baboons (Papio anubis) and crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) at Lake Manyara National Park, northern Tanzania. During these encounters olive baboons responded by giving alarm calls and all infants and juveniles rushed down from trees seeking cover under bushes or close proximity to adult conspecifics. In one of the events, alarm calls from banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) and rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) most likely triggered alarm calling of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) which in turn prompted baboons to respond with alarm calls as well. In both observations, adult male baboons took the lead in climbing trees, threatening the eagle (staring, yawning, ground slapping) and chasing it away. The reaction of the baboons suggests that crowned eagles pose a threat at least for juvenile baboons at Lake Manyara National Park.

scholarly journals Adaptive genetic variation at three loci in South African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and the role of selection within Primates

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem G Coetzer ◽  
Trudy R Turner ◽  
Christopher A Schmitt ◽  
J Paul Grobler
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
South African ◽  
Vervet Monkey ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variation ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are one of the most widely distributed non-human primate species found in South Africa. They occur across all the South African provinces, inhabiting a large variety of habitats. These habitats vary sufficiently that it can be assumed that various factors such as pathogen diversity could influence populations in different ways. In turn, these factors could lead to varied levels of selection at specific fitness linked loci. The Toll-like Receptor (TLR) gene family, which play an integral role in vertebrate innate immunity, is a group of fitness linked loci which has been the focus of much research. In this study, we assessed the level of genetic variation at partial sequences of two TLR loci (TLR4 and 7) and a reproductively linked gene, acrosin (ACR), across the different habitat types within the vervet monkey distribution range. Gene variation and selection estimates were also made among 11 – 21 primate species. Low levels of genetic variation for all three gene regions were observed within vervet monkeys , with only two polymorphic sites identified for TLR4, three sites for TLR7 and one site for ACR . TLR7 variation was positively correlated with high mean annual rainfall, which was linked to increased pathogen abundance. The observed genetic variation at TLR4 might have been influenced by numerous factors including pathogens and climatic conditions. The ACR exonic regions showed no variation in vervet monkeys, which could point to the occurrence of a selective sweep. The TLR4 and TLR7 results for the among primate analyses was mostly in line with previous studies, indicating a higher rate of evolution for TLR4. Within primates, ACR also showed signs of positive selection, which was congruent with previous reports on mammals. Important additional information to the already existing vervet monkey knowledge base was gained from this study, which can guide future research projects on this highly researched taxon as well as help conservation agencies with future management planning involving possible translocations of this species.

scholarly journals Adaptive genetic variation at three loci in South African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and the role of selection within Primates

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem G Coetzer ◽  
Trudy R Turner ◽  
Christopher A Schmitt ◽  
J Paul Grobler
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
South African ◽  
Vervet Monkey ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variation ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are one of the most widely distributed non-human primate species found in South Africa. They occur across all the South African provinces, inhabiting a large variety of habitats. These habitats vary sufficiently that it can be assumed that various factors such as pathogen diversity could influence populations in different ways. In turn, these factors could lead to varied levels of selection at specific fitness linked loci. The Toll-like Receptor (TLR) gene family, which play an integral role in vertebrate innate immunity, is a group of fitness linked loci which has been the focus of much research. In this study, we assessed the level of genetic variation at partial sequences of two TLR loci (TLR4 and 7) and a reproductively linked gene, acrosin (ACR), across the different habitat types within the vervet monkey distribution range. Gene variation and selection estimates were also made among 11 – 21 primate species. Low levels of genetic variation for all three gene regions were observed within vervet monkeys , with only two polymorphic sites identified for TLR4, three sites for TLR7 and one site for ACR . TLR7 variation was positively correlated with high mean annual rainfall, which was linked to increased pathogen abundance. The observed genetic variation at TLR4 might have been influenced by numerous factors including pathogens and climatic conditions. The ACR exonic regions showed no variation in vervet monkeys, which could point to the occurrence of a selective sweep. The TLR4 and TLR7 results for the among primate analyses was mostly in line with previous studies, indicating a higher rate of evolution for TLR4. Within primates, ACR coding regions also showed signs of positive selection, which was congruent with previous reports on mammals. Important additional information to the already existing vervet monkey knowledge base was gained from this study, which can guide future research projects on this highly researched taxon as well as help conservation agencies with future management planning involving possible translocations of this species.

scholarly journals Adaptive genetic variation at three loci in South African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and the role of selection within Primates

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem G Coetzer ◽  
Trudy R Turner ◽  
Christopher A Schmitt ◽  
J Paul Grobler
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
South African ◽  
Vervet Monkey ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variation ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are one of the most widely distributed non-human primate species found in South Africa. They occur across all the South African provinces, inhabiting a large variety of habitats. These habitats vary sufficiently that it can be assumed that various factors such as pathogen diversity could influence populations in different ways. In turn, these factors could lead to varied levels of selection at specific fitness linked loci. The Toll-like Receptor (TLR) gene family, which play an integral role in vertebrate innate immunity, is a group of fitness linked loci which has been the focus of much research. In this study, we assessed the level of genetic variation at partial sequences of two TLR loci (TLR4 and 7) and a reproductively linked gene, acrosin (ACR), across the different habitat types within the vervet monkey distribution range. Gene variation and selection estimates were also made among 11 – 21 primate species. Low levels of genetic variation for all three gene regions were observed within vervet monkeys , with only two polymorphic sites identified for TLR4, three sites for TLR7 and one site for ACR . TLR7 variation was positively correlated with high mean annual rainfall, which was linked to increased pathogen abundance. The observed genetic variation at TLR4 might have been influenced by numerous factors including pathogens and climatic conditions. The ACR exonic regions showed no variation in vervet monkeys, which could point to the occurrence of a selective sweep. The TLR4 and TLR7 results for the among primate analyses was mostly in line with previous studies, indicating a higher rate of evolution for TLR4. Within primates, ACR also showed signs of positive selection, which was congruent with previous reports on mammals. Important additional information to the already existing vervet monkey knowledge base was gained from this study, which can guide future research projects on this highly researched taxon as well as help conservation agencies with future management planning involving possible translocations of this species.

scholarly journals Post-copulatory behavior of olive baboons (Papio anubis) infected by Treponema pallidum

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa M. D. Paciência ◽  
Idrissa S. Chuma ◽  
Iddi F. Lipende ◽  
Sascha Knauf ◽  
Dietmar Zinner
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Treponema Pallidum ◽  
Copulatory Behavior ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Mating Patterns ◽  
Olive Baboons ◽  
Skin Ulcers ◽  
Skin Ulcerations

AbstractIn nonhuman primates pathogens are known to exert a profound and pervasive cost on various aspects of their sociality and reproduction. In olive baboons (Papio anubis) at Lake Manyara National Park, genital skin ulcers caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue lead to mating avoidance in females and altered mating patterns at a pre-copulatory and copulatory level. Beyond this level, sexual behavior comprises also post-copulatory interactions among the sexual partners. To investigate whether the presence of genital skin ulcers has an impact at the post-copulatory level, we analyzed 517 copulation events of 32 cycling females and 29 males. The occurrence of post-copulatory behaviors (i.e., copulation calls, darting [female rapid withdraw from the male] and post-copulatory grooming) was not altered by the presence of genital skin ulcerations. Similarly to other baboon populations, females of our group were more likely to utter copulation calls after ejaculatory copulation. The likelihood of darting was higher after ejaculatory copulations and with the presence of copulation calls. Post-copulatory grooming was rarely observed but when it occurred, males groomed females for longer periods when females uttered copulation calls during, or preceding mating. Our results indicate that despite the presence of conspicuous genital skin ulcers, the post-copulatory behavior was not affected by the genital health status of the dyad. This suggests that infection cues play a major role before and during mating but do not affect post-copulatory behavior.

scholarly journals Behavioural patterns of vocal greeting production in four primate species

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 182181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pawel Fedurek ◽  
Christof Neumann ◽  
Yaëlle Bouquet ◽  
Stéphanie Mercier ◽  
Martina Magris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominance Rank ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Dyadic Relationships ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
High Ranking ◽  
Vocal Behaviour ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus ◽  
Species Specific

Social animals have evolved a range of signals to avoid aggressive and facilitate affiliative interactions. Vocal behaviour is especially important in this respect with many species, including various primates, producing acoustically distinct ‘greeting calls’ when two individuals approach each other. While the ultimate function of greeting calls has been explored in several species, little effort has been made to understand the mechanisms of this behaviour across species. The aim of this study was to explore how differences in individual features (individual dominance rank), dyadic relationships (dominance distance and social bond strength) and audience composition (presence of high-ranking or strongly bonded individuals in proximity), related to vocal greeting production during approaches between two individuals in the philopatric sex of four primate species: female olive baboons (Papio anubis), male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), female sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) and female vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus). We found that female vervet monkeys did not produce greeting calls, while in the other three species, low-ranking individuals were more likely to call than high-ranking ones. The effects of dyadic dominance relationships differed in species-specific ways, with calling being positively associated with the rank distance between two individuals in baboons and chimpanzees, but negatively in mangabeys. In none of the tested species did we find strong evidence for an effect of dyadic affiliative relationships or audience on call production. These results likely reflect deeper evolutionary layers of species-specific peculiarities in social style. We conclude that a comparative approach to investigate vocal behaviour has the potential to not only better understand the mechanisms mediating social signal production but also to shed light on their evolutionary trajectories.

scholarly journals Adaptive genetic variation at three loci in South African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and the role of selection within Primates

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem G Coetzer ◽  
Trudy R Turner ◽  
Christopher A Schmitt ◽  
J Paul Grobler
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
South African ◽  
Vervet Monkey ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vervet Monkeys ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variation ◽  
Chlorocebus Pygerythrus

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are one of the most widely distributed non-human primate species found in South Africa. They occur across all the South African provinces, inhabiting a large variety of habitats. These habitats vary sufficiently that it can be assumed that various factors such as pathogen diversity could influence populations in different ways. In turn, these factors could lead to varied levels of selection at specific fitness linked loci. The Toll-like Receptor (TLR) gene family, which play an integral role in vertebrate innate immunity, is a group of fitness linked loci which has been the focus of much research. In this study, we assessed the level of genetic variation at partial sequences of two TLR loci (TLR4 and 7) and a reproductively linked gene, acrosin (ACR), across the different habitat types within the vervet monkey distribution range. Gene variation and selection estimates were also made among 11 – 21 primate species. Low levels of genetic variation for all three gene regions were observed within vervet monkeys , with only two polymorphic sites identified for TLR4, three sites for TLR7 and one site for ACR . TLR7 variation was positively correlated with high mean annual rainfall, which was linked to increased pathogen abundance. The observed genetic variation at TLR4 might have been influenced by numerous factors including pathogens and climatic conditions. The ACR exonic regions showed no variation in vervet monkeys, which could point to the occurrence of a selective sweep. The TLR4 and TLR7 results for the among primate analyses was mostly in line with previous studies, indicating a higher rate of evolution for TLR4. Within primates, ACR coding regions also showed signs of positive selection, which was congruent with previous reports on mammals. Important additional information to the already existing vervet monkey knowledge base was gained from this study, which can guide future research projects on this highly researched taxon as well as help conservation agencies with future management planning involving possible translocations of this species.

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