Lingual neoplasia in nonhuman primates: Description of five cases and a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Documentation of lingual tumors is scarce in nonhuman primates. METHODS: Through a multi-institutional retrospective study we compile cases of primary and metastatic neoplasia in non-human primates. RESULTS: We describe five cases of lingual neoplasia. Three cases are primary lingual tumors: chondro-osteoblastic lipoma in a howler monkey, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibroma in two baboons. We describe two cases of metastatic lymphoma in the tongue in rhesus macaques. A literature review of published lingual neoplasia in nonhuman primates is included in this manuscript. CONCLUSION: Lingual neoplasia is seldom reported in non-human primates.

Thyroblastoma in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta): A case report.

In this report, we describe the gross, histopathology, and immunohistochemical findings of a thyroblastoma that arose in the right lobe of the thyroid gland in a 2-month-old rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).

DETECTION OF SARS-COV-2 IN A SQUIRREL MONKEY (SAIMIRI SCIUREUS): A ONE HEALTH INVESTIGATION AND RESPONSE.

Through collaborative efforts, One Health partners have responded to outbreaks of COVID-19 among animals, including those in human care at zoos. Zoos have been faced with numerous challenges, including the susceptibility of many mammalian species, and therefore the need to heighten biosecurity measures rapidly. Robust One Health collaborations already exist in Arizona to address endemic and emerging zoonoses, but these have rarely included zoos. The pandemic shed light on this, and Arizona subsequently expanded its SARS-CoV-2 surveillance efforts to include zoo animals. Testing and epidemiologic support was provided to expedite the detection of and response to zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 infection in zoo animals, as well as to understand possible transmission events. Resulting from this program, SARS-CoV-2 was detected from a rectal swab collected from an 8-yr-old squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) from a zoo in Southern Arizona. The animal had rapidly become ill with nonrespiratory symptoms and died in July 2022. Genomic sequencing from the swab revealed mutations consistent with the Omicron (BA.2) lineage. An epidemiologic investigation identified an animal caretaker in close proximity to the affected squirrel monkey who tested positive for COVID-19 the same day the squirrel monkey died. Critical One Health partners provided support to the zoo through engagement of local, state, and federal agencies. Necropsy and pathologic evaluation showed significant necrotizing colitis; the overall clinical and histopathological findings did not implicate SARS-CoV-2 infection alone as a causal or contributing factor in the squirrel monkey's illness and death. This report documents the first identification of SARS-CoV-2 in a squirrel monkey and highlights a successful and timely One Health investigation conducted through multisectoral collaboration.

Contribution of ultrasound examination in diagnosing platynosomiasis and correlation with macro and microscopic findings in callitrichids kept under human care.

BACKGROUND: Platynosomiasis in non-human primates kept under human care causes chronic disease of the bile ducts and liver, which initially presents with nonspecific signs and can culminate in the death of the animal. Diagnosing this disease is a challenge, and an ultrasound examination can be an excellent tool when it is suspected. METHODS: This study describes the ultrasound findings from 57 marmosets with suspected infection by Platynosomum sp., the correlated hepatobiliary changes, and the anatomopathological findings that confirmed the occurrence of platynosomiasis. RESULTS: In six marmosets (one C. aurita, two C. jacchus, and three Callithrix sp.), Platynosomum infection was confirmed macroscopically (presence of adult trematodes in the gallbladder) and microscopically (adults, larvae, and eggs in histological examinations and eggs in bile and feces). These findings were compatible with the hepatobiliary changes and with images suggestive of parasitic structures in ante-mortem assessments. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound examination demonstrated its usefulness within the clinical routine for investigating this parasitosis.

Molecular detection of Sarcocystis sp. in a kept under human care black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus., Goldfuss 1809) with necrotizing encephalitis.

A senile male black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) kept under human care in a Zoo was found dead after 2 weeks presenting signals of weight loss and hyporexia. Histopathological revealed a necrotizing encephalitis. Although it was not observed microscopically, Sarcocystis sp infection was detected in brain tissue from molecular assays. These infections have been rarely described in neotropical primates, particularly associated with tissue lesions.

Real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for detection of zoonotic malaria Plasmodium parasites.

BACKGROUND: Natural human infections by Plasmodium cynomolgi and P. inui have been reported recently and gain the substantial attention from Southeast Asian countries. Zoonotic transmission of non-human malaria parasites to humans from macaque monkeys occurred through the bites of the infected mosquitoes. The objective of this study is to establish real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of zoonotic malaria parasites by combining real-time fluorescent technology with the isothermal amplification technique. METHODS: By using 18S rRNA as the target gene, the primers for P. cynomolgi, P. coatneyi and P. inui were newly designed in the present study. Four novel real-time fluorescence LAMP assays were developed for the detection of P. cynomolgi, P. coatneyi, P. inui and P. knowlesi. The entire amplification process was completed in 60 min, with the assays performed at 65 °C. By using SYTO-9 as the nucleic acid intercalating dye, the reaction was monitored via real-time fluorescence signal. RESULTS: There was no observed cross-reactivity among the primers from different species. All 70 field-collected monkey samples were successfully amplified by real-time fluorescence LAMP assays. The detection limit for P. cynomolgi, P. coatneyi and P. knowlesi was 5 × 109 copies/µL. Meanwhile, the detection limit of P. inui was 5 × 1010 copies/µL. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the detection of four zoonotic malaria parasites by real-time fluorescence LAMP approaches. It is an effective, rapid and simple-to-use technique. This presented platform exhibits considerable potential as an alternative detection for zoonotic malaria parasites.

Spontaneous pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

A seven-year-old female common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) presented with weight loss. Imaging revealed a left thoracic mass, confirmed at necropsy. Histology and immunohistochemistry suggested a well-differentiated pulmonary adenocarcinoma. No evidence of local lymphovascular invasion or distant metastasis was observed. This is the first report of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in marmosets.

Functional inactivation of pulmonary MAIT cells following 5-OP-RU treatment of non-human primates.

Targeting MAIT cells holds promise for the treatment of different diseases and infections. We previously showed that treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infected mice with 5-OP-RU, a major antigen for MAIT cells, expands MAIT cells and enhances bacterial control. Here we treated M. tuberculosis infected rhesus macaques with 5-OP-RU intratracheally but found no clinical or microbiological benefit. In fact, after 5-OP-RU treatment MAIT cells did not expand, but rather upregulated PD-1 and lost the ability to produce multiple cytokines, a phenotype resembling T cell exhaustion. Furthermore, we show that vaccination of uninfected macaques with 5-OP-RU+CpG instillation into the lungs also drives MAIT cell dysfunction, and PD-1 blockade during vaccination partly prevents the loss of MAIT cell function without facilitating their expansion. Thus, in rhesus macaques MAIT cells are prone to the loss of effector functions rather than expansion after TCR stimulation in vivo, representing a significant barrier to therapeutically targeting these cells.

Concurrent yellow fever and pulmonary aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in a free-ranging howler monkey (Alouatta sp).

Herein, we describe a unique case of concomitant angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus and yellow fever in a free-ranging howler monkey (Alouatta sp). Lung samples were negative for influenza viruses A and B.

Urothelial carcinoma in the urinary bladder of a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata).

Tumors of urinary origin are infrequently reported in non-human primates. Urothelial carcinoma involving the urinary bladder was diagnosed in an adult female Japanese macaque that extended transmurally to the uterus and cervix. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a primary cystic urothelial carcinoma in a Japanese macaque.

Stress as cause of signs and symptoms of pseudo-Cushing's syndrome in buffy-tufted marmosets (Callithrix aurita).

Hyperadrenocorticism is a medical condition caused by the increase in cortisol production by the cortex of the adrenal gland. Although infrequently described in most animal species, its naturally occurring form, called Cushing's syndrome, is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in dogs. Cushing's syndrome is also present in humans and might be confused with the pseudo-Cushing's syndrome (PCS), rarely described in animals. PCS shares many of the clinical and biochemical features of Cushing's syndrome. However, the hypercortisolemia seen is usually idiopathic and, in some circumstances, associated with psychological disruptions. This report describes PCS-like disorder in two marmosets Callithrix aurita that were exposed to environmental changes, suggesting stress as the main cause of the process and reviewing the mechanisms involved in the pathogeny of the two syndromes.

Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in a hooded capuchin (Sapajus apella).

Spontaneous endometriosis is common in women, great apes and Old World monkeys, but rare in New World monkeys. We report on the clinical diagnosis and successful combination of surgical and medical treatment in a case of spontaneous endometriosis in a diabetic hooded capuchin. Addressing this painful condition had a positive welfare impact.

Two cases of cryptococcus gattii infection in the rhesus macaque (Macaca Mulatta).

Cryptococcus gattii was diagnosed in two female indoor-housed rhesus macaques. Gross and histopathologic findings included an isolated pulmonary cryptococcoma in a non-SIV-infected macaque and disseminated disease centered on the lungs of an SIV-infected macaque. Fungal yeast were positive with special stains, and the diagnoses were confirmed with a lateral flow assay and PCR.

Myeloproliferative Disorder with Intraoral Lesions in an Olive Baboon (Papio anubis).

Spontaneous myeloid leukemia is rarely reported in non-human primates. We report a case of myeloproliferative disorder suggestive of acute myeloid leukemia with intraoral lesions in an olive baboon (Papio anubis). Clinical pathology, radiology, gross examination (pre-mortem and post-mortem), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry findings are provided.

Clinical and pathological aspects of first report of Tunga penetrans infestation on southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is a neglected neotropical disease caused by penetration of Tunga spp. into the skin of the host. METHODS: Two primates were rescued from nearby different indigenous villages, and the clinical, pathological, and parasitological features of tungiasis were described. Flea identification occurred through their morphometry and was confirmed with the use of a dichotomous key. RESULTS: Monkey 1 was parasitized by 23 sand fleas and, after treatment, was assigned to the animal rehabilitation center. Monkey 2 was in poor body condition and died shortly after clinical examination. At necropsy, this primate was parasitized by 26 specimens of sand fleas. CONCLUSIONS: Both animals altered their tree behavior by staying on the ground for long periods. This parasitic relationship implies the possibility of enlargement of the sand flea dispersion. Thus, this is the first record of Tunga penetrans occurrence in wild Alouatta guariba clamitans.

DIFFUSE IDIOPATHIC SKELETAL HYPEROSTOSIS WITH SECONDARY DYSPHAGIA IN A BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY (ATELES GEOFFROYI).

A 32-yr-old male black-handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) with marked kyphosis and reduced spinal range of motion developed intermittent regurgitation, which was managed with an acid reducer. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) was suspected in this animal due to radiographically evident ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. At repeat radiographic evaluation 1.5 yr later, due to weight loss and increased frequency of regurgitation, the cervical spine was deviated ventrally and appeared to be impinging on the thoracic inlet. The spider monkey was humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis, and the presumptive diagnosis of DISH was confirmed via postmortem computed tomography and necropsy. DISH has not been reported in black-handed spider monkeys, and secondary dysphagia, an uncommon but recognized consequence in humans, has not been reported in a nonhuman primate. Earlier recognition of this possibly underreported disease process may increase treatment options and effectiveness of intervention.

Leukemic histiocytic sarcoma in a captive common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) with Saimiriine Gammaherpesvirus 2 (Rhadinovirus), Saimiri sciureus lymphocryptovirus 2 (Lymphocryptovirus) and Squirrel monkey retrovirus (ß-Retrovirus) coinfection.

Hematopoietic neoplasia other than lymphoma and leukemia is uncommon among non-human primates. Herein, we provide the first evidence of occurrence of leukemic histiocytic sarcoma in a captive common squirrel monkey with Saimiriine Gammaherpesvirus 2 (Rhadinovirus), Saimiri sciureus lymphocryptovirus 2 (Lymphocryptovirus), and Squirrel monkey retrovirus (ß-Retrovirus) coinfection.

Clinical and Pathologic Features of Spontaneous Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in 9 Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta).

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacterium found in the environment and as a commensal in humans and animals. In humans, K. pneumoniae is one of the most serious nosocomial infections encountered currently and is characterized by liver abscesses, pneumonia, and bacteremia resulting in meningoencephalitis and endophthalmitis. K. pneumoniae in veterinary medicine is rarely reported in NHP, and recent literature describing this disease is sparse. In our colony of predominantly outdoor-housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), K. pneumoniae is cultured infrequently from healthy animals during routine screening and is even rarer in sick animals. This report summarizes the clinical and postmortem findings associated with this pathogen in 9 rhesus macaques and compares these results with the disease outcomes reported for humans. In these cases, K. pneumoniae infection was confirmed through culture or PCR testing or both. In our experience, when this bacterium does cause clinical signs, the disease is rapidly progressive and severe. At necropsy of NHP, the findings are strikingly similar to opportunistic Klebsiella-associated syndromes described in humans and include liver abscesses, meningoencephalitis, and endophthalmitis. In addition, many of the affected macaques had similar risk factors to humans that succumb to disease, thus perhaps indicating that rhesus macaques could be a viable model for investigating these syndromes.

Spontaneous KRT5 Gene Mutation in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta): A Novel Nonhuman Primate Model of Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex.

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is an inherited skin disorder characterized by increased skin and mucous membrane fragility. Most cases are caused by mutations in keratin 5 (KRT5) and keratin 14 (KRT14). Mutations of these genes result in cytoskeletal disruption of the basal keratinocytes. Gross and histopathologic findings of 2 clinically affected homozygous rhesus macaques with an insertion variant mutation in KRT5 are described and compared with 6 deceased phenotypically normal animals that were heterozygous for the KRT5 insertion variant. Animals that were homozygous for the KRT5 insertion variant were stillborn and had widespread loss of the epidermis. Microscopic examination confirmed severe ulceration and basal cell vacuolation with basilar vesicle formation in the remaining intact epidermis. Immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin 5 demonstrated lack of epidermal immunoreactivity in homozygotes. DNA sequencing identified a 34-base pair insertion variant in exon 5 of the KRT5 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of epidermolysis bullosa in rhesus macaques.