Molecular detection of Apicomplexa protozoa in tissues from Alouatta guariba clamitans

ABSTRACT: The brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) is a primate species widely distributed in South America. Infections by protozoa are common primates. However, studies on primates Brazil scarce, so the goal of this study was to investigate DNA from apicomplexan Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii tissues A. clamitans. extraction performed tissue samples heart, brain, liver, spleen, lung intestine six clamitans Santa Maria, Central Region Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Conventional PCR using 18S rRNA gene general primers for Apicomplexa also specific amplify Neosporaspp. DNA. All animals were positive genetic sequencing confirmed presence four belonging at least two (S. neurona S. gigantea) T. other animals. One sample genotypically characterized as atypical restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. N. caninum not detected tested samples. protozoan highlights importance monkeys maintainers these pathogens nature.