Untersuchungen zur alveolären Echinokokkose bei Bartaffen (Macaca silenus) (English shop)

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The dissertation “Untersuchungen zur alveolären Echinokokkose bei Bartaffen (Macaca silenus)” by Anja Blankenburg investigates the clinical, pathological, and genetic aspects of alveolar echinococcosis in lion-tailed macaques, an endangered primate species.

The study focuses on three cases of alveolar echinococcosis observed in a colony of lion-tailed macaques at the German Primate Center in Göttingen. Caused by the larval stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, the disease is examined through comprehensive pathological, histological, immunohistochemical, and transmission electron microscopic investigations. Clinical diagnostic methods, including serological examinations, hematological analyses, and ultrasonography, are also evaluated for their usefulness in nonhuman primates.

The findings reveal considerable similarities between the pathological manifestations of alveolar echinococcosis in lion-tailed macaques and humans. The liver was identified as the primary affected organ, showing extensive inflammatory alterations and characteristic parasitic cystic structures.

Another major focus is the genetic characterization of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). For the first time, MHC class II DRB genes are investigated in lion-tailed macaques to explore potential associations between genetic characteristics and susceptibility to alveolar echinococcosis. Although no definitive association with specific MHC alleles could be established, the findings suggest a possible genetic predisposition to infection.

The dissertation contributes to veterinary parasitology, infectious disease pathology, and primate research, providing a foundation for further investigations into disease susceptibility and genetic diversity in endangered primate populations.