Cysticercus tenuicollis Infection in Captive Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in Iran

In this article we described necropsy findings of Cysticercus tenuicollis infection among a group of 65 wild-caught imported vervet monkeys from Tanzania into “Razi vaccine and serum research institute Karaj-Iran” for assessment of oral polio vaccine neurovirulence test (MNVT). The methods of diagnosis were based on observation of the C. tenuicollis, morphological characters of scolex as well as the shape, size and the number of the rostellar hooks and histopathological examination. Totally 7 female monkeys were detected positive (10.8%) for C. tenuicollis. Our results highlighted that, most cases of C. tenuicollis infection in vervet monkeys detected incidentally and cause mild or no disease, but well developed cysts could be organized in abdominal cavity causing peritoneal cysticercosis. It was suggested to set up more measures such as ultrasound imaging and serological tests, on next import shipment of the vervet monkeys, to prevent entrance of infected animals to the post quarantine holding areas.