The pathoparasitology of the alimentary tract and pancreas of nonhuman primates: a review

Abstract

A review of the literature concerning the gross and histologic lesions associated with protozoal and metazoal parasitism in the alimentary tract and pancreas of nonhuman primates is presented. In addition, the natural history, morphology, life cycle, methods for diagnosis, and potential for zoonotic disease are reviewed briefly for each parasite discussed. The parasite species reviewed in detail are those most common or most likely to produce lesions in the alimentary tract and pancreas of the nonhuman primate host. All parasites, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic, in each major group (protozoa: flagellates, sarcodines, sporozoans, neosporans, and ciliates; and metazoa: trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans, and pentastomids) that have been reported in the nonhuman primate alimentary tract and pancreas are presented in tables.