SURVEY OF ENZOOTIC PATHOGENS AND ARTHROPOD VECTORS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. A survey designed to assess the level of endemicity of known enzootic pathogens in the outdoor breeding colonies at the TNPRC, this project serves as a sentinel for the health of the colony. Samples of blood and stool obtained from each animal are examined for parasites of interest. Stool samples are examined by a direct smear and a concentration method. Blood samples are examined by thick and thin blood smears for Plasmodium species and the Knott's test for filariasis. Plasma is examined by ELISA for evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi and DNA is saved for future studies. Potential vectors are trapped weekly by CDC light traps and gravid traps. Mosquitoes are speciated and examined by dipstick ELISA test or the newly-developed LAMP test for West Nile virus (WNV). During 2006 we examined 442 stool samples and 590 blood samples. We have also saved and tested 208 serum samples for T. cruzi and have found 34 animals which show evidence of exposure to T. cruzi. We have been able to culture parasites in vitro from some infected animals and are presently re-sampling mothers of infected animals to look for evidence of vertical transmission of this parasite. Many of these animals were born at the Center indicating transmission is taking place here with local triatomid bugs. We spent some months this year attempting the trap the vector at night but have so far been unsuccessful. Other pathogens of interest include Strongyloides f¿lleborni, Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli, Trichuris trichiura, and Hymenolepis diminuta, the rat tapeworm. We have expanded our sampling to include milk from mothers with babies by to demonstrate vertical transmission of S. f¿lleborni. This parasite has been shown to be present in the milk of African women. Its presence in the milk of simian mothers will be an indication that new treatment approaches need to be developed to help reduce the morbidity caused by this organism in our breeding colony.