trimethoprim--sulfamethoxazole-drug-combination and Monkey-Diseases

The dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene from Pneumocystis carinii isolated from non-human primates was amplified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced to analyse point mutations associated with sulfa resistance. P. carinii DHPS gene amplification was obtained from eight lung samples from five New World primate species and one Old World primate species. None of the animals had been exposed to sulfa drugs and only the wild-type P. carinii DHPS sequence at codons 55 and 57 was observed. These data support the hypothesis that high rates of DHPS mutants in P. carinii f. sp. hominis have arisen with increased use of sulfa drugs for P. carinii pneumonia prophylaxis.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Animals, Zoo; Antifungal Agents; Cebidae; Cercopithecidae; Dihydropteroate Synthase; Drug Resistance, Fungal; France; Genes, Fungal; Lung; Molecular Sequence Data; Monkey Diseases; Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Point Mutation; Sequence Alignment; Strepsirhini; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Two nonrelated but paired red-handed tamarins (Saguinus midas) presented with diffuse, multifocal, raised, nonpruritic, hyperkeratotic lesions on the appendages and face. Skin biopsies identified acarids and skin scrapings confirmed demodex-like mites. The animals were treated with ivermectin, at the endoparasite dose, which initially resulted in resolution of clinical signs; however, signs recurred after numerous treatments. After four treatments with amitraz dips, demodicosis lesions resolved.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Anthelmintics; Antipruritics; Biopsy; Diphenhydramine; Female; Insect Repellents; Ivermectin; Male; Mite Infestations; Mites; Monkey Diseases; Saguinus; Skin; Toluidines; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Inflammatory bowel disease was diagnosed in a 3-year-old, captive-born, hand-raised, female spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi). The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, positive-contrast radiographic series, endoscopy, histologic appearance of intestinal biopsy specimens, and the monkey's response to treatment. Treatment consisted of oral administration of prednisone, sulfasalazine, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Supportive care included a bland diet and an electrolyte solution given free choice. Although several infective agents were considered, this case illustrates that recurrent enteritis in primates may be noninfectious and may respond to anti-inflammatory agents.

Topics: Animals; Cebidae; Diarrhea; Electrolytes; Female; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Monkey Diseases; Prednisone; Sulfasalazine; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Vomiting

Stool specimens collected systematically from a group of Celebes black macaques (Macaca nigra) with a high incidence of diarrhea were examined microbiologically. Numerous isolates of Shigella flexneri, Campylobacter jejuni and pathogenic Escherichia coli were recovered. Previous parasitology reports had revealed that the majority of the animals had Balantidium coli. Subsequently, the group was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin and tetracycline. After treatment, Shigella flexneri was not detected in the stool of any animal for 1 year, and the clinical condition of the group was improved. Reduced recovery rates were obtained with other enteric pathogens.

Topics: Animals; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dysentery, Bacillary; Erythromycin; Macaca; Monkey Diseases; Shigella flexneri; Sulfamethoxazole; Tetracycline; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination