Molecular Evidence ofandin Red Howler Monkey () from French Guiana.

Abstract

Presence ofspp. was evaluated in the blood of nine red howler monkeys () from a specific area of French Guiana, located in the northeast of the Amazon. The molecular detection was performed based on PCR targeting the markers 18S rRNA, kDNA and ITS2 genes, as well as rapid immunomigration tests. Two monkeys were positive forand one forWhilecutaneous leishmaniasis is common, visceral leishmaniasis (human and canine) caused byhas never been described in this area. The howler monkey proved to be a sentinel and a potential reservoir of a serious zoonosis. These results must be carefully considered by public health officials and veterinarians in the future.