OCCURRENCE OF MYCOPLASMA SPP. IN THE GOLDEN-HEADED LION TAMARIN (LEONTOPITHECUS CHRYSOMELAS) IN SOUTHERN BAHIA, BRAZIL

The presence and zoonotic potential of Mycoplasma spp. have already been identified in primates from different regions of the world. Information on the consequences of these parasites for the health of non-human primates, especially those threatened with extinction, such as the golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), is scarce in the literature. The issue requires greater attention, as it can contribute to species conservation actions. Thus, the main objective of the study was to investigate the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples subjected to PCR for 16S rRNA gene of 21 golden-headed lion tamarins living in anthropically altered environments in southern Bahia, Brazil. Additionally, the hematological parameters of infected animals were evaluated. From the animals evaluated (n=21), 38% were positive for Mycoplasma spp. in PCR assays, showing an identity between 88% and 99% for this bacterium. There was no difference between positive and negative animals for Mycoplasma spp. in relation to the hematological parameters evaluated. The data show that Mycoplasma spp. is present in the golden-headed lion tamarin in southern Bahia, and this may have implications for animal and public health.