Detection of Plasmodium spp. from faecal samples in non-human neotropical primates in forest fragments in Colombia

Plasmodium parasites are present in non-human primates (NHP) living in tropical regions around the world. In Latin America, NHP are considered as potential reservoirs of Plasmodium brasilianum / Plasmodium malariae, and some species have been found infected with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium simium, which is closely related to Plasmodium vivax; but in spite of their importance in malaria transmission cycle, relatively little attention has been given to them. This study aimed to determine the circulating species of Plasmodium in three NHP species living in fragmented forest areas. The study site was located in a forest fragment in Santander, Colombia (06°43’N, 74°09’W). Primates were followed from dawn to dusk. Faecal samples were collected from the soil immediately after defecation, and placed in falcon tubes with 96% ethanol. Samples from 24 brown spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus), 32 capuchin monkeys (Cebus versicolor) and 30 red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) were collected. DNA was extracted using a ZR faecal DNA MiniPrep Zymo Kit, Plasmodium sp. detection was performed through PCR, and second reactions were conducted for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax detection. All PCR products were visualized on aga- rose gel and positive samples were sequenced. Plasmodium falciparum was identified by sequencing in one faecal sample of A. seniculus, while P. vivax was identified by sequencing in one faecal sample of C. versicolor.