Prevalence of Malaria in Panamanian Primates

Abstract
Over a 35-year period, 1,994 Panamian primates representing 7 species have been examined for malaria at the Gorgas Memorial Laboratory. Plasmodium brasilianum was the only species found. The prevalence rates for the various species were Ateles geoffroyi (30.3%), A. fusciceps (10.6%), Alouatta vilossa (4.0%), and Cebus capucinus (2.2%). No infections were found in Saimiri oerstedii, Aotus trivigatus, and Saguinus geoffroyi.