Ascaris lumbricoides infection in captive black sakis (Chiroptes utahickae): a case report and implications for zoonotic transmission
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Keywords

parasitism, primates, zoonosis.

How to Cite

Barbosa, B. E. P., Alves, A. C. da T., Miranda, B. de P., dos Santos, B. A., Belsito, A. C., Magalhães, I. de F. B., & Barros, L. A. (2025). Ascaris lumbricoides infection in captive black sakis (Chiroptes utahickae): a case report and implications for zoonotic transmission. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 47(1), e008924. https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm008924

Abstract

Ascaris lumbricoides infections represent a major global health challenge, affecting both humans and non-human primates. In non-human primates, A. lumbricoides infections pose a significant threat to conservation efforts, as they can impact both captive and wild populations, causing complications ranging from mild to severe. This study reports the case of two black sakis (Chiroptes utahickae) kept under human care in a zoo—a male and a female—presented for routine examination due to weight loss. Ultrasonography revealed a substantial intestinal infestation of large roundworms. The female was treated with pyrantel pamoate, and the male with fenbendazole, both with successful outcomes. The worms were sent for morphological and molecular identification, and the animals were submitted for new examinations. This case underscores the importance of preventive veterinary check-ups in zoos, particularly for parasites that pose zoonotic risks, to ensure both animal and human health.

https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm008924
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Copyright (c) 2025 Bruna Emely Pereira Barbosa, Arthur Carlos da Trindade Alves, Bernardo de Paula Miranda, Beatriz Araújo dos Santos, Agatha Campinho Belsito, Isadora de Fátima Braga Magalhães, Luciano Antunes Barros