Epidemiological Surveillance of Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi in Peruvian Bald Uakaris (Cacajao calvus ucayalii) in a Peruvian Rescue Center

Abstract

Background: The Peruvian Amazon is an endemic region for integumentary leishmaniasis, characterized by multiple vectors species, diverse wildlife reservoirs, and human activities that influence disease transmission. Non-human primates (NHPs) have been implicated as potential reservoirs for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi in neighboring Brazil, but their role in Cacajao spp. remains unknown. This study aimed to detect Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi DNA in semi-captive Peruvian bald uakaris (Cacajao calvus) housed at the Pilpintuwasi Rescue Center, Iquitos, Peru. Methods: Seven individuals were chemically restrained, and blood samples were collected. DNA was extracted and analyzed using PCR with primers targeting the heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene for Leishmania spp. and kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) for T. cruzi. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing using a novel CacajaoID primer set confirmed species and subspecies identity. Analytical sensitivity assays were also performed to ensure assay the reliability and detection limit of both PCR protocols. Results: All specimens tested negative for both pathogens. Sequencing of the CacajaoID fragment confirmed five individuals as C. c. ucayalii and two as C. c. novaesi. Conclusion: Although no parasite DNA was detected, these findings provide baseline molecular and epidemiological Data for bald uakaris and highlight the importance of continued surveillance in semi-captive and wild populations. The results support one health approaches by linking wildlife monitoring with conservation and zoonotic risk assessments in the Amazon region.