Causes of Chronic Diarrhea in Primates

Chimpanzees, baboons, gibbons, squirrel monkeys and other primates are vulnerable to contracting diseases from humans and transmission of diseases from primates to humans is also possible. It is common for humans and primates to be affected by the same symptoms from infections and diseases including chronic diarrhea. For this reason, it is important that humans take precautions such as wearing face masks and rubber gloves while handling and caring for primates that are ill.

  1. Giardiosis

    • Giardiosis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite, where frequent and recurrent diarrhea is the most common symptom in primates. The stool may contain mucus, but will not be bloody. This parasite lives in the small intestine and passes through the feces. These parasites can survive outside the body and in the environment for months because of a protective outer shell. Primates transmit Giardiosis to humans by direct contact and proper hygienic routines will minimize the transmission of the disease.

    Cestodes

    • Cestodes, more commonly known as tapeworms, have a direct life cycle but can pass to primates through an intermediate host such as fleas or beetles. Tapeworms live in the intestine and cause inflammation of the intestinal tract. Diarrhea and abdominal pain are symptoms and primates will bend over from the discomfort in their abdomen. Cestodes are diagnosed by an examination of fecal material.

    Shigella and Salmonella

    • Shigella and salmonella are caused by two separate organisms, but the signs and symptoms are similar. The presence of shigella or salmonella bacteria in the digestive tract of primates can cause gastrointestinal disease which leads to diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Stress is usually a precipitator of a severe infection, which can eventually lead to prolapse of the rectum. It is rare that primates transmit this type of infection to humans.

    Balantidiasis

    • Balantidiasis is an infectious disease that attacks the digestive tract and is primarily transmitted by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by feces. The most common symptoms are chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain and an inflamed colon. Complications may include a torn intestinal wall but this organism does not spread to other parts of the body in the blood stream. Stool samples are tested for the presence of balantidiasis.

    Marburg Virus

    • Primates are extremely susceptible to small doses of this virus that runs its course in 6-13 days. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, labored breathing and high fever. The Marburg Virus is consistently fatal to primates and can be lethal to humans who have contracted the virus from primates.