Plasma and CSF biomarkers of aging and cognitive decline in Caribbean vervets.

INTRODUCTION: Vervets are non-human primates that share high genetic homology with humans and develop amyloid beta (Aß) pathology with aging. We expand current knowledge by examining Aß pathology, aging, cognition, and biomarker proteomics. METHODS: Amyloid immunoreactivity in the frontal cortex and temporal cortex/hippocampal regions from archived vervet brain samples ranging from young adulthood to old age was quantified. We also obtained cognitive scores, plasma samples, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in additional animals. Plasma and CSF proteins were quantified with platforms utilizing human antibodies. RESULTS: We found age-related increases in Aß deposition in both brain regions. Bioinformatic analyses assessed associations between biomarkers and age, sex, cognition, and CSF Aß levels, revealing changes in proteins related to immune-related inflammation, metabolism, and cellular processes. DISCUSSION: Vervets are an effective model of aging and early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and we provide translational biomarker data that both align with previous results in humans and provide a basis for future investigations. HIGHLIGHTS: We found changes in immune and metabolic plasma biomarkers associated with age and cognition. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers revealed changes in cell signaling indicative of adaptative processes. TNFRSF19 (TROY) and Artemin co-localize with Alzheimer's disease pathology. Vervets are a relevant model for translational studies of early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide on alcohol consumption in alcohol-preferring male vervet monkeys.

RATIONALE: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce alcohol consumption in rodents and non-human primates. Semaglutide is a new long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, widely used in the clinic against type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is also reported to reduce alcohol intake in rodents. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the possible inhibitory effect of semaglutide on alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring African green monkeys. METHODS: We performed a vehicle-controlled study on male monkeys that had demonstrated a preference for alcohol. In the monkeys selected for voluntary alcohol drinking, alcohol consumption was measured for ten days at baseline (Monday to Friday for two weeks). During this period, the monkeys had access to alcohol 4 h per day and free access to water 24 h per day. After two weeks of baseline measurements, the monkeys were randomized to semaglutide or vehicle. Each group consisted of ten monkeys, and the two groups were balanced with respect to baseline alcohol intake. Following the baseline period, the monkeys were treated with escalating doses of semaglutide (up to 0.05 mg/kg) or vehicle subcutaneously twice weekly for two weeks during which period alcohol was not available. After uptitration, the monkeys had access to alcohol 4 h daily for 20 days (Monday to Friday for 4 weeks), and alcohol consumption was measured. During this alcohol exposure period, treatment with semaglutide (0.05 mg/kg twice weekly) or vehicle continued for three weeks followed by a one-week washout period. RESULTS: Compared to the vehicle, semaglutide significantly reduced alcohol intake. There were no signs of emetic events or changes in water intake. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate for the first time the potent effect of semaglutide in reducing voluntary alcohol intake in non-human primates and further substantiate the need for clinical trials investigating the effect of semaglutide in patients with alcohol-use disorder.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Diversity of Cytomegaloviruses and Lymphocryptoviruses in Free-Roaming and Captive African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus).

To date, limited information is available on cytomegalovirus (CMV) and lymphocryptovirus (LCV) from Chlorocebus monkeys. We report here high detection rates of herpesviruses in free-roaming African green monkeys (AGMs, Chlorocebus sabaeus) (26.4%, 23/87) and in captive AGMs (75%, 3/4) with respiratory disease on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. LCV (81.25%) was more prevalent than CMV (18.75%) in the AGMs. Applying a bigenic PCR approach (targeting DNA polymerase (DPOL) and glycoprotein B (gB) genes), long sequences were obtained from representative AGM CMV (KNA-SD6) and LCV (KNA-E4, -N6 and -R15) samples, and mixed LCV infections were identified in KNA-N6 and -R15. The nucleotide (nt) sequence (partial DPOL-intergenic region-partial gB) and partial DPOL- and gB-amino acid (aa) sequences of AGM CMV KNA-SD6 were closely related to Cytomegalovirus cercopithecinebeta5 isolates from grivet monkeys, whilst those of AGM LCV KNA-E4 and -N6 (and E4-like gB of KNA-R15) were more closely related to cognate sequences of erythrocebus patas LCV1 from patas monkey than other LCVs, corroborating the concept of cospeciation in the evolution of CMV/LCV. On the other hand, the partial DPOL aa sequence of KNA-R15, and additional gB sequences (N6-gB-2 and R15-gB-2) from samples KNA-N6 and -R15 (respectively) appeared to be distinct from those of Old World monkey LCVs, indicating LCV evolutionary patterns that were not synchronous with those of host species. The present study is the first to report the molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of CMV/LCV from free-roaming/wild and captive AGMs, and is the first report on analysis of CMV nt/deduced aa sequences from AGMs and LCV gB sequences from Chlorocebus monkeys.

Ocular examination findings and selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

OBJECTIVE: To document ocular lesions and establish ophthalmic diagnostic test reference values in a colony of African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus). ANIMALS STUDIED: Fifty one geriatric (GAGM, 19-30 years old), 10 adult (AAGM, 5-9 years old) and 10 juvenile (JAGM, <2 years old) African green monkeys housed in a single Caribbean research colony. PROCEDURES: Ocular biomicroscopy, indirect fundoscopy, Schirmer tear test (STT), rebound tonometry (TonoVet®) and corneal fluorescein staining were performed. Mixed ANCOVA tests were performed to compare STT and IOP between groups. RESULTS: Common ocular lesions in GAGM included vitreal degeneration (27/51, 51/102 eyes) and cataracts (21/51, 32/102 eyes). Vitreal degeneration was also common in AAGM (8/10, 16/20 eyes) and infrequent in JAGM (3/10, 6/20 eyes). Cataracts were not present in any JAGM or AAGM. All eyes in all three groups had perilimbal corneal pigmentation and faint lace-like anterior corneal stromal opacification. Median (range) STT values were 16.0 (18) mm/min in GAGM. Mean (SD) STT values were 14.2 (4.6) mm/min in AAGM, and 8.9 (3.4) mm/min in JAGM. Median (range) IOP values were 16.5 (27) mmHg in GAGM. Mean (SD) IOP values were 18.0 (2.8) mmHg in AAGM, and 14.1 (2.2) mmHg in JAGM. JAGM had significantly lower STT and IOP values compared to AAGM (p = .0449, .0057, respectively) and GAGM (p = .0002, .0130, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous ocular lesions were common in geriatric monkeys in this research colony. IOP and STT values were lower in juvenile African green monkeys relative to adult or geriatric animals.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Adenoviruses in Captive and Free-Roaming African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus): Evidence for Possible Recombination and Cross-Species Transmission.

In the present study, 31 samples (12 fecal, 9 nasal and 10 rectal swabs) from 28/92 (30.43%, 10 captive and 18 free-roaming African green monkeys (AGMs, Chlorocebus sabaeus)) apparently healthy AGMs in the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts tested positive for adenoviruses (AdVs) by DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (pol)-, or hexon-based screening PCR assays. Based on analysis of partial deduced amino acid sequences of Pol- and hexon- of nine AGM AdVs, at least two AdV genetic variants (group-I: seven AdVs with a Simian mastadenovirus-F (SAdV-F)/SAdV-18-like Pol and hexon, and group-II: two AdVs with a SAdV-F/SAdV-18-like Pol and a Human mastadenovirus-F (HAdV-F)/HAdV-40-like hexon) were identified, which was corroborated by analysis of the nearly complete putative Pol, complete hexon, and partial penton base sequences of a representative group-I (strain KNA-08975), and -II (KNA-S6) AdV. SAdV-F-like AdVs were reported for the first time in free-roaming non-human primates (NHPs) and after ~six decades from captive NHPs. Molecular characterization of KNA-S6 (and the other group-II AdV) indicated possible recombination and cross-species transmission events involving SAdV-F-like and HAdV-F-like viruses, corroborating the hypothesis that the evolutionary pathways of HAdVs and SAdVs are intermingled, complicated by recombination and inter-species transmission events, especially between related AdV species, such as HAdV-F and SAdV-F. To our knowledge, this is the first report on detection and molecular characterization of AdVs in AGMs.

In-Vivo Evaluation of a Reinforced Ovine Biologic for Plastic and Reconstructive Procedures in a Non-human Primate Model of Soft Tissue Repair.

Background: Biologic matrices are used in plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures to aid in the kinetics of soft tissue repair and promote functional tissue formation. The human acellular dermal matrix AlloDerm is widely used; however, it is offered at a relatively high cost, and its dermal composition may not provide an ideal remodeling scaffold. OviTex Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) Resorbable and Permanent are reinforced biologic matrices engineered with layers of ovine forestomach matrix embroidered with small amounts of polymer to optimize biophysical performance. This study compared the healing outcomes of these matrices in a non-human primate model of soft tissue repair. Methods: Animals were implanted with test articles in surgically created full-thickness midline abdominal wall defects and evaluated macroscopically and histologically at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Results: Both OviTex PRS Permanent and Resorbable matrices exhibited earlier host cell infiltration, neovascularization, and collagen deposition and also fully remodeled into the host tissue by 12 weeks post implantation. AlloDerm had less host cell infiltration and neovascularization at early time points and never fully integrated into the surrounding host tissue. There was no statistical difference in overall inflammation between AlloDerm and either OviTex PRS product at any time point, despite small amounts of polymer reinforcement in OviTex products. Conclusions: In a primate soft tissue repair model, OviTex PRS Permanent and Resorbable matrices performed comparably with the leading human acellular dermal matrix. OviTex PRS Permanent and Resorbable are less expensive than alternatives like AlloDerm and may promote faster host cell proliferation and functional remodeling in some soft tissue repair applications.

FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption through an amygdalo-striatal circuit.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a major health and social issue in our society. Pharmacologic administration of the endocrine hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) suppresses alcohol consumption through actions in the brain in rodents, and genome-wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved with FGF21 signaling as being associated with increased alcohol consumption in humans. However, the neural circuit(s) through which FGF21 signals to suppress alcohol consumption are unknown, as are its effects on alcohol consumption in higher organisms. Here, we demonstrate that administration of an FGF21 analog to alcohol-preferring non-human primates reduces alcohol intake by 50%. Further, we reveal that FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption through a projection-specific subpopulation of KLB-expressing neurons in the basolateral amygdala. Our results illustrate how FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption through a specific population of neurons in the brain and demonstrate its therapeutic potential in non-human primate models of excessive alcohol consumption.

Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus from Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) in Saint Kitts.

Antimicrobial resistance has been described in all ecosystems, including wildlife. Here we investigated the presence of methicillin-resistant and susceptible staphylococci in both colony-born and wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus). Through selective isolation, PCR, MALDI-TOF, and whole-genome sequencing, methicillin-resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus spp. isolated from vervet monkeys were characterized. We obtained putatively methicillin-resistant staphylococci from 29 of the 34 nasal samples collected. Strains were identified by MALDI-TOF analysis. Staphylococcus cohnii (n = 15) was the most commonly isolated species, while nine other species were isolated one or two times. PCR analysis indicated that eight [28%] strains were mecA positive. The whole-genome sequencing [WGS] included eight methicillin-resistant strains (S. epidermidis (n = 2), S. cohnii (n = 3), S. arlettae (n = 2) and S. hominis (n = 1)), nine additional S. cohnii strains and two strains that could not be identified by MALDI-TOF, but genetically characterized as one S. cohnii and one S. warneri. Different resistance genes carried by different mobile genetic elements, mainly blaZ (n = 10) and tet(K) (n = 5) were found, while msr(A), cat, fosB, dfrG, erm(C), mph(C) and str were identified in one to three strains. Phylogenetic analysis of the S. cohnii strains based on SNPs indicated four clusters associated with colony born or wild. In addition, one singleton S. cohnii isolated did not form a separate group and clustered within other S. cohnii strains submitted to the NCBI. In this study, we demonstrated the presence of AMR and mobile genetic elements to both colony-born and wild vervet monkeys. We also identified a previously undescribed prevalence of S. cohnii in the nasal flora of these monkeys, which merits further investigation.

No evidence for sylvatic cycles of chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) on St. Kitts, West Indies.

BACKGROUND: Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) are transmitted in sylvatic transmission cycles between non-human primates and forest (sylvan) mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. It remains unclear if sylvatic cycles exist or could establish themselves elsewhere and contribute to the epidemiology of these diseases. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts has a large African green monkey (AGM) (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) population and is therefore ideally suited to investigate sylvatic cycles. METHODS: We tested 858 AGM sera by ELISA and PRNT for virus-specific antibodies and collected and identified 9704 potential arbovirus vector mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were homogenized in 513 pools for testing by viral isolation in cell culture and by multiplex RT-qPCR after RNA extraction to detect the presence of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKVs. DNA was extracted from 122 visibly blood-fed individual mosquitoes and a polymorphic region of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene (HMBS) was amplified by PCR to determine if mosquitoes had fed on AGMs or humans. RESULTS: All of the AGMs were negative for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV antibodies. However, one AGM did have evidence of an undifferentiated Flavivirus infection. Similarly, DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV were not detected in any of the mosquito pools by PCR or culture. AGMs were not the source of any of the mosquito blood meals. CONCLUSION: Sylvatic cycles involving AGMs and DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV do not currently exist on St. Kitts.

Identification of Schistosoma mansoni Infection in a Nonhuman Primate from St. Kitts More than 50 Years after Interruption of Human Transmission.

Transmission of Schistosoma mansoni was interrupted on St. Kitts, a Caribbean island, in the 1950s. With no reported cases since that time and most Biomphalaria spp. snail populations eliminated based on surveys in the 1970s, S. mansoni has been considered eliminated on St. Kitts. In 2019, S. mansoni eggs were found in an African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) that originated from St. Kitts. Nonhuman primate (NHP) infections have been considered incidental to human infections, with infections in NHPs resolving with the elimination of S. mansoni in the human population. An NHP with S. mansoni infection suggests that the NHP may be able to maintain a reservoir sylvatic cycle. Alternatively, S. mansoni transmission was not eliminated or S. mansoni has been reintroduced to St. Kitts. The occurrence of an infected NHP from St. Kitts supports the need for continuous monitoring in areas where S. mansoni is considered eliminated.

Leptospira Infection in African Green Monkeys in an Endemic Area: An Opportunity for Comparative Studies in a Natural Environment.

This study was performed to investigate the potential asymptomatic Leptospira reservoir status among African green monkeys (AGMs) in the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts, and whether there is any renal pathology associated with Leptospira exposure. Forty-eight percent of AGMs tested were positive for Leptospira antibodies by the microscopic agglutination test. Leptospira DNA was detected in 4% of kidney samples tested using a lipl32 gene based PCR. We observed minimal to severe microscopic renal lesions in 85% of the AGM kidneys evaluated. The majority of the AGMs (n = 26) had only minimal to mild interstitial nephritis and a few (n = 3) had moderate to severe lesions. The presence of interstitial nephritis was not significantly associated with Leptospira exposure. The presence of infected AGMs in a small surface limited geographic region may pose zoonotic threat to humans and animals. The impact of Leptospira infection in renal pathology in AGMs warrants further investigation. AGMs residing in a natural setting in an insular, surface limited Leptospira endemic geographic region may offer opportunities for comparative studies to advance the field of leptospirosis. Due to their similarity to humans, such studies in AGMs may also provide translational opportunities to advance Leptospira research.

l-Serine Reduces Spinal Cord Pathology in a Vervet Model of Preclinical ALS/MND.

The early neuropathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) are protein aggregates in motor neurons and microglial activation. Similar pathology characterizes Guamanian ALS/Parkinsonism dementia complex, which may be triggered by the cyanotoxin ß-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). We report here the occurrence of ALS/MND-type pathological changes in vervets (Chlorocebus sabaeus; n = 8) fed oral doses of a dry powder of BMAA HCl salt (210 mg/kg/day) for 140 days. Spinal cords and brains from toxin-exposed vervets were compared to controls fed rice flour (210 mg/kg/day) and to vervets coadministered equal amounts of BMAA and l-serine (210 mg/kg/day). Immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis were used to examine markers of ALS/MND and glial activation. UHPLC-MS/MS was used to confirm BMAA exposures in dosed vervets. Motor neuron degeneration was demonstrated in BMAA-dosed vervets by TDP-43+ proteinopathy in anterior horn cells, by reactive astrogliosis, by activated microglia, and by damage to myelinated axons in the lateral corticospinal tracts. Vervets dosed with BMAA + l-serine displayed reduced neuropathological changes. This study demonstrates that chronic dietary exposure to BMAA causes ALS/MND-type pathological changes in the vervet and coadministration of l-serine reduces the amount of reactive gliosis and the number of protein inclusions in motor neurons.

Extraintestinal Acanthocephalan Oncicola venezuelensis (Oligacanthorhynchidae) in Small Indian Mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) and African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

We identified multiple extraintestinal cystacanths during routine postmortem examination of 3 small Indian mongooses and 2 African green monkeys from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. In mongooses, cystacanths were encysted or free in the subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, or peritoneal or pericardial cavities, whereas in the monkeys, they were in the cavity and parietal layer of the, tunica vaginalis, skeletal muscle, and peritoneal cavity. Morphological, histological, and molecular characterization identified these cystacanths as Oncicola venezuelensis (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae). There was minimal to mild lymphoplasmacytic inflammation associated with the parasite in the mongooses and moderate inflammation, mineralization, hemorrhage, and fibrosis in the connective tissue between the testis and epididymis in 1 monkey. We identified a mature male O. venezuelensis attached in the aboral jejunum of a feral cat, confirming it as the definitive host. Termites serve as intermediate hosts and lizards as paratenic hosts. This report emphasizes the role of the small Indian mongoose and African green monkey as paratenic hosts for O. venezuelensis.

Should monkeys wash their hands and feet: A pilot-study on sources of zoonotic parasite exposure.

Human exposure to zoonotic parasites via contaminated soil is a much studied area. Less research has been performed on exposure via contact with animals and surfaces such as picnic tables with which infected animals might be in contact. On St. Kitts, wild African green monkeys (AGM; Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus), which are known to have zoonotic parasites, roam freely in areas with outdoor dining facilities and are used in the tourist industry. In this study, the hands and feet of eight AGM and picnic tables where AGM were known to walk on were examined for parasitic organisms. Six of the AGM had parasitic organisms on their hands and/or feet. Trichuris spp. eggs, hookworm larvae and eggs and pinworm eggs were recovered from the tables. The results of this pilot study highlight other potential means of transfer of zoonotic parasites and suggest that surfaces without obvious fecal material can be contaminated with zoonotic parasites.

High Leptospira seroprevalence in captive and wild-caught vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus sabeus) on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. Very little information is available on Leptospira infection in nonhuman primates. We report herein a high seroprevalence (49.4%; 95% confidence interval: 41.6-57.2%) to Leptospira serovars in vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus sabeus) on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts. Monkeys bred in captivity ( n = 81) had a significantly higher seroprevalence compared to wild-caught monkeys ( n = 81; p < 0.05). Seroprevalence to serovar Bataviae was significantly higher in monkeys bred in captivity and was higher to serovar Bratislava in wild-caught monkeys ( p < 0.05). Our data confirm that exposure to various Leptospira serovars and seroconversion occurs in wild and captive vervet monkeys on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts. Further studies are warranted to better understand epidemiology, transmission, pathology, and possible reservoir status in this species.

Hematologic and biochemical RIs for an aged population of captive African Green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

BACKGROUND: Established RIs for geriatric African Green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) are critical for clinical differentiation of normal aging from disease-related changes in this population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish hematologic and serum biochemical RIs for a Caribbean captive population of geriatric (≥ 15 years of age) African Green monkeys, or Vervets. METHODS: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined for a cohort of 109 healthy, aged (15- to 30-year-old, median 19-year-old) Vervets. Both male (34) and female (75) monkeys were included in RI generation. Complete manual and analyzer-generated blood counts and serum biochemistry profiles were performed at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, St. Kitts, West Indies. All results were evaluated using Reference Value Advisor. Isolated outliers were identified using Dixon's outlier range statistic and not included in determination of RIs for individual analytes. Reference intervals were determined using parametric and nonparametric methods depending on the distribution. Data, including mean, median, maximum, and minimum values, were tabulated. RESULTS: Of the 109 animals, 12 monkeys were excluded due to abnormal physical examination results (2 monkeys), and ≥ 2 confirmed outliers (9 monkeys), or evidence of disease based on laboratory data (one monkey). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides useful RIs for assessment of hematology and serum biochemical variables in a geriatric population of African Green monkeys in the Caribbean.

Biofilm formation of hypermucoviscous and non-hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from clinically affected African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

In recent years, an emergent Klebsiella pneumoniae hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype has been associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity in primates. The HMV phenotype is characterized by different capsular serotypes, associated with several genes including the rmpA (regulator of mucoid phenotype) and magA (mucoviscosity-associated) genes. In African green monkeys (AGM) (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) serotypes K1 and K5 have been implicated in fatal multisystemic abscesses. In order to better understand the epizootiology of this pathogen, the capacity of biofilm production of K. pneumoniae isolates presenting the HMV was compared to non-HMV isolates at three different temperatures (25, 30 and 37 °C). The results indicate that HMV and non-HMV isolates display similar capacity to form biofilms at the three different evaluated temperatures. Temperature appears to play a role in the formation of biofilms by K. pneumoniae presenting the HMV phenotype, where larger biofilms were formed at 37 °C than at 25 °C. Knowledge regarding local environmental sources of K. pneumoniae and the possible role of wildlife in the maintenance of this agent in the area is necessary to develop effective recommendations for the prevention and management of this disease in captive AGM populations.

Whole genome analysis provides evidence for porcine-to-simian interspecies transmission of rotavirus-A.

We report here whole genome analysis of a porcine rotavirus-A (RVA) strain RVA/Pig-wt/KNA/ET8B/2015/G5P[13] detected in a diarrheic piglet, and nearly whole genome (except for VP4 gene) analysis of a simian RVA strain RVA/Simian-wt/KNA/08979/2015/G5P[X] detected in a non-diarrheic African green monkey (AGM) on the island of St. Kitts, Caribbean region. Strain ET8B exhibited a G5-P[13]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T7-E1-H1 genotype constellation that was identical to those of Brazilian porcine RVA G5P[13] strains RVA/Pig-wt/BRA/ROTA01/2013/G5P[13] and RVA/Pig-wt/BRA/ROTA07/2013/G5P[13], the only porcine G5P[13] RVAs that have been analyzed for the whole genome so far. Phylogenetically, all the 11 gene segments of ET8B were closely related to those of porcine and porcine-like human RVAs within the respective genotypes. Although the porcine G5P[13] RVAs exhibited identical genotype constellations, ET8B did not appear to share common evolutionary pathways with the Brazilian porcine G5P[13] RVAs. Interestingly, the VP2, VP3, VP6, VP7, and NSP1-NSP5 genes of simian RVA strain 08979 were closely related to those of porcine and porcine-like human RVA strains, exhibiting 99%-100% nucleotide sequence identities to cognate genes of co-circulating porcine RVA strain ET8B. On the other hand, the VP1 of 08979 appeared to be genetically divergent from porcine and human RVAs within the R1 genotype, and its exact origin could not be ascertained. Taken together, these observations suggested that simian strain 08979 might have been derived from interspecies transmission events involving transmission of ET8B-like RVAs from pigs to AGMs. In St. Kitts, AGMs often stray from the wild into livestock farms. Therefore, it may be possible that the AGM acquired the infection from a pig farm on the island. To our knowledge, this is the first report on detection of porcine-like RVAs in monkeys. Also, the present study is the first to report whole genomic analysis of a porcine RVA strain from the Caribbean region.

Detection of picobirnaviruses in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus): Molecular characterization of complete genomic segment-2.

During 2014-2015, 270 fecal samples were collected from non-diarrheic, captive and wild African green monkeys (AGMs) on the island of St. Kitts, Caribbean region. By RNA-PAGE, picobirnaviruses (PBVs) were detected in sixteen captive AGMs. By RT-PCR and sequencing of partial gene segment-2, PBVs in 15 of these 16 samples were assigned to genogroup-I. The full-length nucleotide (nt) sequence of gene segment-2 of one of the genogroup-I PBV strains, strain PBV/African green monkey/KNA/016593/2015, was obtained using a non-specific primer-based amplification method with modifications. Gene segment-2 of strain 016593 was 1707bp long, and encoded a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of 538aa. Furthermore, the nearly complete gene segment-2 sequences of three other AGM PBV strains were determined using primers designed from gene segment-2 sequence of 016593. The gene segment-2 of the 4 AGM PBV strains were almost identical to each other, and exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity (maximum nt and deduced aa sequence identities of 66.4% and 65.3%, respectively) with those of PBVs from other host species. The 5'- and 3'- (except for one mismatch) end nt sequences and the three domains of RdRps were retained in the AGM PBV strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report on detection, and molecular characterization of complete gene segment-2 of PBVs in vervet monkeys. PBVs were detected for the first time from the Caribbean region.

Uterine angioleiomyoma in an African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

BACKGROUND: A uterine neoplasm was observed, as an incidental finding, during post-mortem examination of a 26-year-old female multiparous African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus). The intramural, expansile, 2 to 3 cm well-demarcated, dark-red, nodular neoplasm was located on the anterior uterine body (corpus) wall. METHODS: The mass was examined by light microscopy and by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The mass was confirmed as a cavernous uterine angioleiomyoma (syn. vascular leiomyoma) characterized by abundant intratumoural vasculature lined by Factor VIII-positive endothelial cells and surrounded by smooth muscle actin-positive cell proliferations. CONCLUSION: Angioleiomyoma sharing the characteristics of intramural human cavernous uterine angioleiomyoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of uterine tumours in non-human primates.