ExperimentalSchistosoma mansoniinfection in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in Kenya: I. Susceptibility to a primary infection

Abstract

AbstractGroups of five 3-kg Kenyan monkeys,Cercopithecus aethiops, were exposed individually to 150,600 or 1500Schistosoma mansonicercariae per monkey. Three monkeys died soon after the infections became patent and the survivors were autopsied 4 months after exposure. Mortality and most haematological, parasitological and pathological sequelae of infection were dose-related, but not the white cell response or changes in the levels of serum proteins or fibrinogen. No gross liver fibrosis was seen. Comparison of this study with earlier ones on related cercopithecine monkeys suggests that the vervet closely resembles the baboon in its response toS. mansoniinfections. Difficulties in managing and maintaining vervets can be overcome by using colonybred or properly adapted feral animals. Thus, the vervet provides a cheaper, more readily available primate model for experimentalS. mansonistudies. A prolonged infection, sufficiently heavy to permit reliable parasitological monitoring without undue mortality, should be provided by 150S. mansonicercariae per kg body-weight, using the Kenyan strains of vervet and parasite.