Oral administration of clioquinol dispersed in gel to rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

Abstract

Background Entamoeba spp. is a common infectious and zoonotic protozoa in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and humans. This parasite can affect the health status of macaques as the infection can cause severe diarrhoea. Therefore, in some cases, treatment can be mandatory. Metronidazole is the most common treatment for Entamoeba spp. in veterinary medicine. The administration of metronidazole in drinking water was not successful due to low fluid intake attributed to unacceptable taste. Therefore another anti amoebic medicine, clioquinol administered via drinking water, is tested in rhesus monkeys.

Experimental design The normal daily water intake of 16 macaques (8 males and 8 females) over a 27-day period was determined. Secondly, it was investigated whether the addition of clioquinol dispersed in gel influenced the daily fluid intake. Furthermore, it was determined if the rhesus monkeys drank enough medicated fluid to receive a dose of 20 mg/kg/day clioquinol. Therefore, a cross-over study was designed in which macaques were given water, medicated fluid and non medicated fluid.

Results The mean water uptake was 78.8 ml/kg. Clioquinol addition resulted in a statistically significant decrease of 15.7 ml/kg in fluid intake. The mean intake of the non-medicated fluid compared with water intake did not significantly differ. The mean intake of clioquinol for five days was 22.4 mg/kg in 16 rhesus monkeys.

Conclusions This study shows that it was possible to administer clioquinol in gel to rhesus monkeys in the desired dose.