In our most recent study, we found that in Tanzania infection with Treponema pallidum (TP) subsp. pertenue (TPE) is present in four different monkey species. In order to gain information on the ...diversity and epidemiological spread of the infection in Tanzanian nonhuman primates (NHP), we identified two suitable candidate genes for multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). We demonstrate the functionality of the MLST system in invasively and non-invasively collected samples. While we were not able to demonstrate frequent interspecies transmission of TPE in Tanzanian monkeys, our results show a clustering of TPE strains according to geography and not host species, which is suggestive for rare transmission events between different NHP species. In addition to the geographic stability, we describe the relative temporal stability of the strains infecting NHPs and identified multi-strain infection. Differences between TPE strains of NHP and human origin are highlighted. Our results show that antibiotic resistance does not occur in Tanzanian TPE strains of NHP origin.
Leaf Swallowing (LS) is an atypically slow consumption of often rough leaves, which are rolled and swallowed, one by one, without chewing. This method seems to promote the expulsion of intestinal ...parasites and/or increase intestinal transit. We report observations of this type of behaviour in a population of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) living in captivity at the African reserve of Sigean (RAS), in France. Nine chimpanzees were provided with smooth, non-rough leaves of a plane tree (Platanus hispanica) and with rough, hispid leaves of a black mulberry (Morus nigra). All these individuals were presumed naive to LS because this behaviour had never been observed in this population before the study. This observation of LS behavior in naive chimpanzees supports the theory of a predisposition to the realization of LS with rough leaves, probably by individual learning. We also note the important role of social learning (facilitation and imitation) in the LS behaviour spread within the group. Indeed, some chimpanzees which initially rejected or chewed black mulberry leaves, then fold and swallow them (LS) after observing a congener demonstrator. Observation of LS in this healthy chimpanzee population (parasite-free, no noticeable intestinal discomfort) supports the hypothesis that LS originates from an opportunistic feeding behavior of primates in nature and not from an innate knowledge of the therapeutic property of this form of consumption. LS may simply be a spontaneous reaction to an unfamiliar leaf roughness. In this study, LS occurred with M. Nigra leaves, while this kind of behaviour was not observed with the leaves of the same species in a previous study. This allows us to refute the hypothesis of the existence of a roughness threshold, common to all chimpanzees, which would systematically trigger LS behavior.
Gastrointestinal parasites identified in the wild can negatively affect host fitness, lower performance, and growth. On the other side, sympatric mammals that share habitat and resources may also ...cross-transmit parasites, which are often zoonotic and can contribute to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites circulating in mammalian hosts in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park.
We screened a total of 25 fecal samples collected from nine wild mammalian species, namely, western gorilla (
), chimpanzee (
), putty-nosed monkey (
), African forest elephant (
), African buffalo (
), blue duiker (
), bay duiker (
), and red river hog (
) as well as people working as trackers (
s) using direct microscopic observations following a sedimentation technique to concentrate the fecal material.
Of the total 25 fecal samples screened, 15 (60%) were positive for parasitic gastrointestinal infection. Based on the morphology of parasite eggs and cysts, we identified a rich diversity of nematodes, protozoans, trematodes, and cestodes, including unidentified strongyles (73%),
spp. (53%),
spp. (27%),
spp. (13%),
spp. (13%),
spp. (13%),
spp. (47%),
(20%),
(20%),
(6%),
(6%),
spp. (13%), and
spp. (6%).
All parasites were found at least once in one of the hosts, and most were potentially zoonotic and responsible for several diseases of public health concern. Because of the small sample size, our findings should not be considered conclusive. Nevertheless, they highlight the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in this area.
Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are Critically Endangered and show continued population decline. Consequently, pressure is mounting to better understand their conservation threats ...and ecology. Gastrointestinal symbionts, such as bacterial and eukaryotic communities, are believed to play vital roles in the physiological landscape of the host. Gorillas host a broad spectrum of eucaryotes, so called parasites, with strongylid nematodes being particularly prevalent. While these communities are partially consistent, they are also shaped by various ecological factors, such as diet or habitat type. To investigate gastrointestinal symbionts of wild western lowland gorillas, we analysed 215 faecal samples from individuals in five distinct localities across the Congo Basin, using high‐throughput sequencing techniques. We describe the gut bacterial microbiome and genetic diversity of strongylid communities, including strain‐level identification of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). We identified strongylid ASVs from eight genera and bacterial ASVs from 20 phyla. We compared these communities across localities, with reference to varying environmental factors among populations, finding differences in alpha diversity and community compositions of both gastrointestinal components. Moreover, we also investigated covariation between strongylid nematodes and the bacterial microbiome, finding correlations between strongylid taxa and Prevotellaceae and Rikenellaceae ASVs that were consistent across multiple localities. Our research highlights the complexity of the bacterial microbiome and strongylid communities in several gorilla populations and emphasizes potential interactions between these two symbiont communities. This study provides a framework for ongoing research into strongylid nematode diversity, and their interactions with the bacterial microbiome, among great apes.
De nombreuses études ont prouvé le rôle important que jouent les antioxydants en tant que capteurs de radicaux libres dans la protection des organismes contre les affections pathologiques causées par ...les radicaux libres telles que l’arthrite, l’ischémie, les anémies, l’asthme, les affections neuro-dégénératives, la maladie de Parkinson, le mongolisme, le vieillissement, les affections démentielles, les inflammations, les cancers etc. Les observations sur le régime alimentaire des bonobos (Pan paniscus) dans les forêts de la Cuvette Centrale de la R.D. Congo, au Sud du Parc National de la Salonga sur le site de recherche du Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA) à Luikotale, ont montré que les fruits du genre Grewia font parties de la diète de ces primates. Aussi, nous sommes-nous proposés d’évaluer le potentiel antioxydant et les polyphénols présents dans les fruits mûrs de cinq espèces du genre Grewia afin d’estimer de façon comparative les potentiels bénéfices des fruits des différentes espèces pour la santé des bonobos. Les études ont porté sur les fruits de Grewia coriacea Mast. (GC), Grewia malacocarpoides De Wild. (GM), Grewia oligoneura Sprague (GO), Grewia pinnatifida Auct. (GP) et Grewia sp. (GSP). Toutes les mesures de quantifications réalisées sur les extraits totaux éthanoliques de fruits ont été effectuées par spectrophotométrie. La meilleure activité antioxydante contre le radical 1,1-diphényl-2-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH), a été obtenue avec le GO (CI50 = 450,44±20,41µg/ml). Tandis que, les contenus par g d’extraits secs, en anthocyanes, flavonoïdes, et polyphénols ont été plus élevés pour GO avec 17,08±3,71 mg de catéchine/g, 16,17±2,32 mg de quercétrine/g et 16,27±0,64 mg d’acide gallique/g respectivement. Les résultats obtenus semblent confirmer les bénéfices nutritionnels des fruits analysés pour la santé des bonobos ; ils constituent en outre une référence pour les études ultérieures visant à comprendre les conséquences de la consommation de ces fruits sur la santé de ces bonobos.
Findings of regional variations in the behavioral patterns of non-human primates have led to the vigorous study of animal traditions (or culture), which contribute to a biological understanding of ...diversity in human cultures. Although our knowledge of behavioral variations of the bonobo (
Pan paniscus
) is limited compared with its sister species, the chimpanzee (
P. troglodytes
), variations in the prey of this species have been reported across study sites. This study describes evidence of mammals consumed by bonobos in the Iyondji site, which was established in 2010. We found evidence that Iyondji bonobos consumed duikers (
Cephalophus dorsalis
,
C. monticola
) and diurnal monkeys (
Cercopithecus ascanius
), which is notable because only anomalures (
Anomalurus
spp.) are consumed by bonobos in Wamba, a long-term study site established in 1973, located in an area adjacent to Iyondji. Moreover, bonobos do not transfer between the two populations due to the river between the sites. According to our census of duikers and diurnal monkeys, Iyondji bonobos appeared to encounter diurnal monkeys more frequently than did Wamba bonobos. Although humans have apparently had a more pronounced impact on the habitats in Wamba than on those in Iyondji, it remains unclear how such environmental conditions may have contributed to the differences in the prey consumed by bonobos in different sites. Our findings suggest that additional research at various sites could reveal the nature of the variations in the behavior of bonobos.
Le Leaf Swallowing (LS) consiste en une consommation atypiquement lente de feuilles souvent rugueuses, qui sont roulées et avalées, une par une, sans mastication. Cette consommation favoriserait ...l’expulsion de parasites intestinaux et/ou augmenterait le transit intestinal. Nous rendons compte ici de l’observation de ce type de comportement dans une population de chimpanzés (Pan troglodytes) vivant en captivité à la Réserve Africaine de Sigean (RAS), en France. Nous avons proposé à neufs chimpanzés des feuilles lisses et non rugueuses de platane (Platanus hispanica) et des feuilles rugueuses et poilues de mûrier noir (Morus nigra). Cinq des chimpanzés ont réalisé un comportement de LS avec les feuilles rugueuses de mûrier noir. Ces individus étaient présumés naïfs pour le LS car ce comportement n’avait jamais été observé dans cette population avant ladite étude. L’apparition ici du comportement de LS chez des individus naïfs appuie la théorie d’une prédisposition à la réalisation de LS avec des feuilles rugueuses, probablement par apprentissage individuel. Nous relevons aussi le rôle important de l’apprentissage social (facilitation et imitation) dans la diffusion de ce comportement au sein du groupe car nous avons observé des modifications du comportement face aux feuilles de mûrier noir, passant du rejet ou d’une consommation de type alimentaire, à du LS après observation d’un congénère démonstrateur de LS. L’observation d’une consommation en LS dans cette population de chimpanzés sains (non parasités et sans inconfort intestinal notable) soutient l’hypothèse que le LS provient d’un comportement d’alimentation opportuniste des primates dans la nature et non d’une connaissance innée de la propriété thérapeutique de cette forme de consommation. Le LS serait simplement une réaction spontanée face à une rugosité peu familière des feuilles. L’apparition de LS avec des feuilles de M. nigra, alors que des feuilles de cette même espèce n’ont pas donné lieu à du LS dans une précédente étude, nous permet d’infirmer l’hypothèse de l’existence d’une rugosité seuil, commune à tous les chimpanzés, qui déclencherait de manière systématique un comportement de LS.
PDF
