Treatment of giardiasis in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with tinidazole

Comp Med. 2009 Apr;59(2):174-9.

Abstract

Giardia intestinalis is a common protozoan parasite that can infect many laboratory animal primates, although its role as a contributor to the induction of gastrointestinal disease remains unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of Giardia in a colony of common marmosets by using a Giardia antigen-capture assay and to address the possible eradication of this infection by using tinidazole, an antiprotozoal similar to metronidazole but requiring fewer doses. Among 31 colony marmosets, 13 (42%) were positive for Giardia. Two doses of oral tinidazole eliminated the infection in all animals. Repeat testing of the 13 Giardia-positive monkeys 1 y later showed that 11 remained negative and that treated animals had a significant increase in weight at 1 y. Giardia antigen is common in common marmoset feces, and treatment using oral tinidazole is possible and highly effective.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antitrichomonal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Callithrix / parasitology*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Giardia lamblia / immunology
  • Giardiasis* / therapy
  • Giardiasis* / veterinary
  • Humans
  • Monkey Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Tinidazole / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antitrichomonal Agents
  • Tinidazole