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Trudy R. Turner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Variation in vervet (Chlorocebus Aethiops) hair cortisol concentrations reflects ecological disturbance by humans.
    Primates; journal of primatology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Nicolaas H. Fourie, Trudy R. Turner, Joseph G Lorenz, Janine L. Brown, James D. Pampush, Robin M. Bernstein
    Abstract:

    Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops) often live in close proximity to humans. Vervets are known to raid crops, homes and gardens in suburban areas leading to human-vervet conflict. In general, primate groups with access to human foods experience increased population densities and intra-group aggression. This suggests high stress loads for vervets living in environments with high levels of human habitat disturbance and close proximity to humans. We tested the hypothesis that populations characterized by high levels of human impact are more physiologically stressed than low human impact populations, and that this increased stress would be reflected in higher concentrations of hair cortisol. We predicted that because females would be less likely to engage in high risk foraging activities, and hence keep more distance from humans than males, their hair cortisol levels should be lower than those in males. We quantified cortisol in the hair of wild caught individuals from populations that experienced different degrees of human habitat disturbance and differences in access to human food. We found that males in high human impact groups had significantly higher hair cortisol concentrations than those in low human impact groups, although this difference was not observed in female vervets. Human impacts on vervet behavioral ecology appear to be a significant source of stress for male animals in particular.

  • Mapping correlates of parasitism in wild South African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops), South African Journal of Wildlife Research 44(1) April 2014 : pp. 56-70 : : erratum
    South African Journal of Wildlife Research - 24-month delayed open access, 2014
    Co-Authors: Tegan Gaetano, J. Danzy, M.s. Mtshali, N. Theron, Christopher A. Schmitt, J.p. Grobler, Nelson B. Freimer, Trudy R. Turner
    Abstract:

    Mapping correlates of parasitism in wild South African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops), South African Journal of Wildlife Research 44(1) April 2014 : pp. 56-70 : erratum

  • Mapping Correlates of Parasitism in Wild South African Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops)
    South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 2014
    Co-Authors: Tegan Gaetano, J. Danzy, M.s. Mtshali, N. Theron, Christopher A. Schmitt, Nelson B. Freimer, J. Paul Grobler, Trudy R. Turner
    Abstract:

    A growing focus of nonhuman primate conservation and management planning concerns factors affecting the dynamics of parasite infection and disease transmission. Here, we examine the effects of anthropogenic and environmental components of the landscape on the prevalence, richness, and species diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild-caught vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops) in South Africa. Nematodes of the genus Trichuris and the family Strongylidae and protists of the subclass Coccidia were present in 55.13% of sampled animals (n = 43). Parasitological, geographical, demographic and climatic correlates of infection were assessed in a geographical information systems (GIS) platform. The findings of this study suggest that parasitism in South African vervets may be better predicted by environmental factors than by degree of anthropogenic contact. This research represents one of the first surveys of parasitic infection in a wild monkey species in southern Africa.

  • variation in scrotal color among widely distributed vervet monkey populations Chlorocebus Aethiops pygerythrus and Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus
    American Journal of Primatology, 2013
    Co-Authors: Tegan Gaetano, Christopher A. Schmitt, Nelson B. Freimer, Trudy R. Turner, Jennifer Danzy Cramer, Joseph P Gray, Paul Grobler, Joseph G Lorenz
    Abstract:

    Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops) exhibit bright blue scrotal skin which may function to mediate social interactions by acting as a socio-sexual signal. Previous research on scrotal coloration among vervet monkeys was limited to experimental work on captive Ch. a. sabaeus, the least colorful vervet subspecies, and two field studies of the more colorful Ch. a. pygerythrus. In a study of free-ranging and captive vervet monkeys in South Africa (Ch. pygerythrus), West Africa (Ch. a. sabaeus) and the Caribbean (Ch. a. sabaeus), we examined scrotal color variation across geographically distant subspecies. We provide an exploration of how digital photographs may be used to quantify and analyze blue and green skin coloration by examining the blue-yellow opponency channel and luminance channel as color measures. We found that that at all ages the scrotal color of Ch. a. pygerythrus males was always bluer and darker than that of Ch. a. sabaeus males. Among Ch. a. pygerythrus scrotal color becomes bluer and lightens with increasing age, while the color of Ch. a. sabaeus males also lightens, but becomes less blue with increasing age. We suggest that color variation is related to maturation and may function as an age-related signal among Ch. a. pygerythrus and Ch. a. sabaeus. We also found color was related to three morphological features among adults. For Ch. a. pygerythrus, higher body weight is associated with more blue color and longer canine length is associated with lighter color. Lighter color was associated with longer body lengths among Ch. a. sabaeus. Future studies focused on color variation within age classes are needed to examine the potential signal content of color in this species.

  • A novel trap design for the capture and sedation of vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus Aethiops ) : research article
    South African Journal of Wildlife Research - 24-month delayed open access, 2010
    Co-Authors: J. Paul Grobler, Trudy R. Turner
    Abstract:

    Studies of population genetics and genomics, morphometrics, endocrinology and immunology of primates often require effective methods of trapping and sedation. In this paper, we describe a progressively refined trap design used by the authors to trap more than 770 vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops) in southern and eastern Africa between 1973 and 2009. The design offers ease of construction, portability, sensitivity of the trigger mechanism and the ability to restrain animals for sedation. In addition to a detailed description of the trap design, this paper presents notes on strategies for baiting, temporal trends during trapping and possible application to other taxa.

Amy Beierschmitt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies.
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Background Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) ( Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus ) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. Methods We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. Results All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Conclusion Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

  • hematologic and biochemical ris for an aged population of captive african green monkeys Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus
    Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Elizabeth M Scallan, Amy Beierschmitt, Saundra H Sample, Roberta M. Palmour
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND Established RIs for geriatric African Green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) are critical for clinical differentiation of normal aging from disease-related changes in this population. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to establish hematologic and serum biochemical RIs for a Caribbean captive population of geriatric (≥ 15 years of age) African Green monkeys, or Vervets. METHODS Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined for a cohort of 109 healthy, aged (15- to 30-year-old, median 19-year-old) Vervets. Both male (34) and female (75) monkeys were included in RI generation. Complete manual and analyzer-generated blood counts and serum biochemistry profiles were performed at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, St. Kitts, West Indies. All results were evaluated using Reference Value Advisor. Isolated outliers were identified using Dixon's outlier range statistic and not included in determination of RIs for individual analytes. Reference intervals were determined using parametric and nonparametric methods depending on the distribution. Data, including mean, median, maximum, and minimum values, were tabulated. RESULTS Of the 109 animals, 12 monkeys were excluded due to abnormal physical examination results (2 monkeys), and ≥ 2 confirmed outliers (9 monkeys), or evidence of disease based on laboratory data (one monkey). CONCLUSIONS This study provides useful RIs for assessment of hematology and serum biochemical variables in a geriatric population of African Green monkeys in the Caribbean.

  • biofilm formation of hypermucoviscous and non hypermucoviscous klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from clinically affected african green monkey Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus
    Microbial Pathogenesis, 2017
    Co-Authors: Esteban Soto, Amy Beierschmitt, Stewart Francis, Michelle M Dennis, Fortune Sithole, Iona Hallidaysimmons, Roberta M. Palmour
    Abstract:

    In recent years, an emergent Klebsiella pneumoniae hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype has been associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity in primates. The HMV phenotype is characterized by different capsular serotypes, associated with several genes including the rmpA (regulator of mucoid phenotype) and magA (mucoviscosity-associated) genes. In African green monkeys (AGM) (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) serotypes K1 and K5 have been implicated in fatal multisystemic abscesses. In order to better understand the epizootiology of this pathogen, the capacity of biofilm production of K. pneumoniae isolates presenting the HMV was compared to non-HMV isolates at three different temperatures (25, 30 and 37 °C). The results indicate that HMV and non-HMV isolates display similar capacity to form biofilms at the three different evaluated temperatures. Temperature appears to play a role in the formation of biofilms by K. pneumoniae presenting the HMV phenotype, where larger biofilms were formed at 37 °C than at 25 °C. Knowledge regarding local environmental sources of K. pneumoniae and the possible role of wildlife in the maintenance of this agent in the area is necessary to develop effective recommendations for the prevention and management of this disease in captive AGM populations.

  • Interaction of non-human primate complement and antibodies with hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae
    Veterinary Research, 2016
    Co-Authors: Esteban Soto, Michel Vandenplas, Amy Beierschmitt, Sylvia Marchi, Michael Kearney, Stewart Francis, Kimberly Vanness, Maryanna Thrall, Roberta M. Palmour
    Abstract:

    AbstractEmergent hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotypes of Klebsiella pneumoniae have been associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity in primates. In this study, we investigated the interaction of African green monkeys (AGM) (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) complement and antibody with HMV and non-HMV isolates as in vitro models of primate infection. Significantly greater survival of HMV isolates was evident after incubation in normal serum or whole blood (p 

Tatiana Corey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies.
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Background Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) ( Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus ) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. Methods We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. Results All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Conclusion Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

Matthew John Valentine - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies.
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Background Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) ( Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus ) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. Methods We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. Results All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Conclusion Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

Michel Vandenplas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies.
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

  • No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies
    Parasites & Vectors, 2020
    Co-Authors: Matthew John Valentine, Brenda Ciraola, Matthew Thomas Aliota, Michel Vandenplas, Silvia Marchi, Bernard Tenebray, Isabelle Leparc-goffart, Christa Ann Gallagher, Amy Beierschmitt, Tatiana Corey
    Abstract:

    Background Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) ( Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus ) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. Methods We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. Results All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. Conclusion Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

  • Interaction of non-human primate complement and antibodies with hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae
    Veterinary Research, 2016
    Co-Authors: Esteban Soto, Michel Vandenplas, Amy Beierschmitt, Sylvia Marchi, Michael Kearney, Stewart Francis, Kimberly Vanness, Maryanna Thrall, Roberta M. Palmour
    Abstract:

    AbstractEmergent hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotypes of Klebsiella pneumoniae have been associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity in primates. In this study, we investigated the interaction of African green monkeys (AGM) (Chlorocebus Aethiops sabaeus) complement and antibody with HMV and non-HMV isolates as in vitro models of primate infection. Significantly greater survival of HMV isolates was evident after incubation in normal serum or whole blood (p