Detection of antibodies to selected human pathogens among wild and pet macaques (Macaca tonkeana) in Sulawesi, Indonesia

Human-to-primate disease transmission can potentially cause significant mor bidity and mortality among wild primate populations and thus constitutes an important conservation issue. Our cross-sectional study examines serologic al evidence of exposure to human pathogens among wild and pet macaques in S ulawesi. Serum samples taken from 11 pet and 15 wild macaques (Macaca tonke ana) were analyzed for antibodies to a panel of viruses commonly encountere d in human populations. Antibodies to measles, influenza A, and parainfluen za I were detected in sera of both pet and wild macaques. Antibodies to par ainfluenza 2 and 3 were found in the sera of wild macaques only. Possible r outes of exposure, as well. as implications for conservation are discussed. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.