Colobus
Simian foamy virus
Millettia
Cote d'Ivoire
Simian T-lymphotropic virus 1
Morphologic and molecular characterization of new Cyclospora species from Ethiopian monkeys: C. cercopitheci sp.n., C. colobi sp.n., and C. papionis sp.n. (1/37)
In recent years, human cyclosporiasis has emerged as an important infection, with large outbreaks in the United States and Canada. Understanding the biology and epidemiology of Cyclospora has been difficult and slow and has been complicated by not knowing the pathogen s origins, animal reservoirs (if any), and relationship to other coccidian parasites. This report provides morphologic and molecular characterization of three parasites isolated from primates and names each isolate: Cyclospora cercopitheci sp.n. for a species recovered from green monkeys, C. colobi sp.n. for a parasite from colobus monkeys, and C. papionis sp.n. for a species infecting baboons. These species, plus C. cayetanensis, which infects humans, increase to four the recognized species of Cyclospora infecting primates. These four species group homogeneously as a single branch intermediate between avian and mammalian Eimeria. Results of our analysis contribute toward clarification of the taxonomic position of Cyclospora and its relationship to other coccidian parasites. (+info)Catarrhine photopigments are optimized for detecting targets against a foliage background. (2/37)
The colour vision of many primates is trichromatic, whereas that of all other mammals is thought to be dichromatic or monochromatic. Moreover, the triplets of cone pigments in different catarrhines (Old World apes and monkeys) are strikingly similar in their spectral positions. We ask whether the selective advantage of trichromacy lies in an enhanced ability to find edible leaves or fruit. Further, we ask whether any factor in these two search tasks has constrained the particular set of cone spectral sensitivities observed in all catarrhines. We measured the spectral properties of the natural environments of six primate species in Uganda: Pan troglodytes, Cercopithecus mitis, Cercopithecus ascanius, Lophocebus albigena, Colobus guereza and Colobus badius. We concentrated on the fruit and leaves in their diets and the leaves of the trees that make up the background against which these diet items must be found. We plotted these measured stimuli in colour spaces appropriate for each primate species, and found that both frugivory and folivory are facilitated by the extra dimension of colour vision found in catarrhines but lacking in most other mammals. Furthermore, by treating the task of searching for food as a signal-detection task, we show that, of all possible combinations of cone sensitivities, the spectral positions of the actual primate pigments are optimal for finding fruit or young leaves against the background of mature leaves. This is because the variance of the chromaticities of the mature leaves is minimised in one channel of the primate's colour vision, so allowing anything that is not a mature leaf to stand out. (+info)Characterization of a novel simian immunodeficiency virus from guereza colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) in Cameroon: a new lineage in the nonhuman primate lentivirus family. (3/37)
Exploration of the diversity among primate lentiviruses is necessary to elucidate the origins and evolution of immunodeficiency viruses. During a serological survey in Cameroon, we screened 25 wild-born guereza colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) and identified 7 with HIV/SIV cross-reactive antibodies. In this study, we describe a novel lentivirus, named SIVcol, prevalent in guereza colobus monkeys. Genetic analysis revealed that SIVcol was very distinct from all other known SIV/HIV isolates, with average amino acid identities of 40% for Gag, 50% for Pol, 28% for Env, and around 25% for proteins encoded by five other genes. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that SIVcol is genetically distinct from other previously characterized primate lentiviruses and clusters independently, forming a novel lineage, the sixth in the current classification. Cercopithecidae monkeys (Old World monkeys) are subdivided into two subfamilies, the Colobinae and the Cercopithecinae, and, so far, all Cercopithecidae monkeys from which lentiviruses have been isolated belong to the Cercopithecinae subfamily. Therefore, SIVcol from guereza colobus monkeys (C. guereza) is the first primate lentivirus identified in the Colobinae subfamily and the divergence of SIVcol may reflect divergence of the host lineage. (+info)The Jezierski papers: live polio vaccine development in colobus monkey cells but not chimpanzee cells in the Belgian Congo, 1952-1958. (4/37)
A reading of ten relevant papers by Alexandre Jezierski provides evidence for the only attempt in Central Africa to develop a live oral polio vaccine (OPV) from growing reference wild polio strains to 210 passages in colobus monkey tissue culture, and experimental administration to about 25 humans. Chimpanzees were used as a human model, but their tissues or kidneys were absent from the passage and production line of the proposed vaccine. Thus, the implication published by Hooper that Jezierski had produced a candidate OPV that might have contained chimpanzee viruses, possibly simian immunodeficiency virus cpz or the precursor of human immunodeficiency virus-1 group M, is incorrect. (+info)Partial molecular characterization of two simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) from African colobids: SIVwrc from Western red colobus (Piliocolobus badius) and SIVolc from olive colobus (Procolobus verus). (5/37)
In order to study primate lentivirus evolution in the Colobinae subfamily, in which only one simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has been described to date, we screened additional species from the three different genera of African colobus monkeys for SIV infection. Blood was obtained from 13 West African colobids, and HIV cross-reactive antibodies were observed in 5 of 10 Piliocolobus badius, 1 of 2 Procolobus verus, and 0 of 1 Colobus polykomos specimens. Phylogenetic analyses of partial pol sequences revealed that the new SIVs were more closely related to each other than to the other SIVs and especially did not cluster with the previously described SIVcol from Colobus guereza. This study presents evidence that the three genera of African colobus monkeys are naturally infected with an SIV and indicates also that there was no coevolution between virus and hosts at the level of the Colobinae subfamily. (+info)High variety of different simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 strains in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) of the Tai National Park, Cote d'Ivoire. (6/37)
We found human T-cell leukemia virus type 1- and simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1)-related infections in 5 of 10 chimpanzees originating from three groups of wild chimpanzees. The new virus isolates showed a surprising heterogeneity not only in comparison to STLV-1 described previously in other primate species but also between the different chimpanzee groups, within a group, or even between strains isolated from an individual animal. The interdisciplinary combination of virology, molecular epidemiology, and long-term behavioral studies suggests that the primary route of infection might be interspecies transmission from other primates, such as red colobus monkeys, that are hunted and consumed by chimpanzees. (+info)Oesophagostomum bifurcum in non-human primates is not a potential reservoir for human infection in Ghana. (7/37)
In northern Togo and Ghana, human infection with the parasitic nematode Oesophagostomum bifurcum is of major health importance. Elsewhere, oesophagostomiasis is considered a zoonotic infection, non-human primates being the natural host. We examined 349 faecal samples of the olive baboon, mona monkey and black and white colobus monkey from two geographically distinct areas in Ghana, outside the region endemic for O. bifurcum in humans. Using both microscopy and species-specific PCR, we found a high prevalence of O. bifurcum (75-99%) in olive baboons and mona monkeys. The majority of the test-positive faecal samples contained large numbers of larvae after copro-culture (>100). No O. bifurcum was detected in the faeces of the black and white colobus monkeys. Observational studies on the behaviour of the non-human primates, focusing on defecation, food consumption and the sharing of habitat with the local human population, indicated favourable conditions for zoonotic transmission. Given that no human infection with O. bifurcum has been reported from either study area, the present findings support the hypothesis that O. bifurcum from humans in the north of Ghana, and O. bifurcum from olive baboons and/or mona monkeys are distinct. (+info)Nonhuman anthropoid primate femoral neck trabecular architecture and its relationship to locomotor mode. (8/37)
Functional analyses of human and nonhuman anthropoid primate femoral neck structure have largely ignored the trabecular bone. We tested hypotheses regarding differences in the relative distribution and structural anisotropy of trabecular bone in the femoral neck of quadrupedal and climbing/suspensory anthropoids. We used high-resolution X-ray computed tomography to analyze quantitatively the femoral neck trabecular structure of Ateles geoffroyi, Symphalangus syndactylus, Alouatta seniculus, Colobus guereza, Macaca fascicularis, and Papio cynocephalus (n = 46). We analyzed a size-scaled superior and inferior volume of interest (VOI) in the femoral neck. The ratio of the superior to inferior VOI bone volume fraction indicated that the distribution of trabecular bone was inferiorly skewed in most (but not all) quadrupeds and evenly distributed the climbing/suspensory species, but interspecific comparisons indicated that all taxa overlapped in these measurements. Degree of anisotropy values were generally higher in the inferior VOI of all species and the results for the two climbing/suspensory taxa, A. geoffroyi (1.71 +/- 0.30) and S. syndactylus (1.55 +/- 0.04), were similar to the results for the quadrupedal anthropoids, C. guereza (male = 1.64 +/- 0.13; female = 1.68 +/- 0.07) and P. cynocephalus (1.47 +/- 0.13). These results suggest strong trabecular architecture similarity across body sizes, anthropoid phylogenetic backgrounds, and locomotor mode. This structural similarity might be explained by greater similarity in anthropoid hip joint loading mechanics than previously considered. It is likely that our current models of anthropoid hip joint mechanics are overly simplistic. (+info)"Colobus" is a genus of Old World monkeys that are native to the forests of Africa. The name "Colobus" is derived from the Greek word "kolobos," which means "mutilated" or "maimed." This refers to the distinctive absence or reduction of thumbs in these primates, which is a characteristic feature of their anatomy.
Colobus monkeys are known for their striking black and white fur coats, which vary in pattern depending on the species. They have a long, bushy tail that can be as long as their body, and they use it for balance while moving through trees. Colobus monkeys are herbivores and primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and seeds.
There are several species of Colobus monkeys, including the black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza), the red colobus (Piliocolobus badius), and the Angola colobus (Colobus angolensis), among others. These primates are social animals and live in groups that can range from a few individuals to several hundred, depending on the species and availability of resources.
Colobus monkeys face various threats to their survival, including habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting for bushmeat, and disease. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these fascinating primates and ensure their continued survival in the wild.
Simian Foamy Virus (SFV) is a type of retrovirus, specifically a member of the Spumavirus genus. It's also known as SFV or foamy virus because of the distinctive 'foamy' appearance of the infected cells in cell culture.
SFV is widespread among non-human primates, and it's believed to be non-pathogenic, meaning it doesn't cause disease in its natural hosts. However, it can infect other mammalian species, including humans, through close contact with bodily fluids such as saliva or blood.
In humans, SFV infection is usually asymptomatic and does not lead to any known diseases. Once a human is infected, the virus remains in the body for life, but it's believed to pose no significant health risk. It's primarily a research interest due to its use as a model retrovirus and its potential implications for understanding retroviral evolution and pathogenesis.
"Millettia" is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, also known as the legume family. These plants are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some species of Millettia have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating fever, malaria, and skin diseases. However, it's important to note that the medicinal properties and safety of these plants can vary widely depending on the specific species and preparation methods, so they should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
To the best of my knowledge, "Côte d'Ivoire" is not a medical term or concept. It is the name of a country, which is officially known as the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. The country is located in West Africa and is bordered by countries such as Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Liberia.
Côte d'Ivoire was once a French colony and gained its independence in 1960. The country has a diverse population and a developing economy, with agriculture being a major contributor to its GDP. The capital city of Côte d'Ivoire is Yamoussoukro, while the largest city is Abidjan.
It's important to note that medical terminology and concepts are typically related to anatomy, physiology, diseases, treatments, and other health-related topics. Therefore, it's unlikely that a country name like Côte d'Ivoire would have a direct medical definition or application.
Simian T-lymphotropic virus 1 (STLV-1) is a retrovirus that primarily infects Asian monkeys and apes. It is closely related to the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and there is evidence to suggest that STLV-1 may have been transmitted to humans through close contact with infected non-human primates, resulting in the emergence of HTLV-1.
Like HTLV-1, STLV-1 primarily infects CD4+ T lymphocytes and can cause a persistent infection. However, unlike HTLV-1, which is associated with several diseases including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM), STLV-1 has not been definitively linked to any specific human diseases.
STLV-1 infection is typically asymptomatic in both monkeys and humans, but it can cause a range of clinical manifestations in some individuals, including lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, and neurological symptoms. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, breast milk, and semen.
Research on STLV-1 is important for understanding the evolution and epidemiology of retroviruses, as well as for developing strategies to prevent transmission and manage related diseases in both humans and non-human primates.