Members of the genus Ternidens are strongyle nematodes of the cecum and colon of a large number of primate species (Strait et al., 2012). The only species reported in non-human primates is Ternidens deminutus.
Epidemiology
Ternidens deminutus is mainly found in Africa and Asia (Cogswell, 2007). It affects Old World Monkeys, mostly macaques (Macaca spp.) and baboons (Papio spp.), but also vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.), mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) and guenons (Cercopithecus spp.), as well as Apes, namely gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), chimpanzees (Pan troglotydes) and orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) (Strait et al., 2012; Calle & Joslin, 2015; Bradbury, 2019).
Description
Ternidens deminutus eggs have a typical strongyle egg morphology (Cogswell, 2007).
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis includes Oesophagostomum eggs, and to a larger extent any non-embryonated strongyle egg (Cogswell, 2007).
Clinical significance
Ternidens deminutus can cause digestive clinical signs as well as anemia in non-human primates (Calle & Joslin, 2015).
Prophylaxis and treatment
Ternidens deminutus has a zoonotic potential. As a result, hygienic measures need to be taken when it is diagnosed in captive settings.
Treatment modalities are similar to the ones of Oesophagostomum infections (Strait et al., 2012):
- Thiabendazole: 25 mg/kg PO q12h during 2 days; 50 mg/kg PO q24h during 2 days; 100 mg/kg PO once;
- Levamisole: 10 mg/kg SC or PO once;
Mebendazole: 40 mg/Kg PO q8h during 4 to 5 days.