Fatal measles virus infection in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
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Abstract:
An outbreak of natural measles virus infection occurred in a group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Over a period of 4 months, 12 of 53 Japanese macaques died following a 2-23-day history of anorexia, diarrhea, and dermatitis. The monkeys were kept in outdoor exhibits but had been moved temporarily into indoor caging and then transferred to new outdoor exhibits. Ten monkeys died while they were in temporary caging, and two monkeys died after they were moved to new outdoor exhibits. The diagnoses were made based on the results of histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and electron microscopy. Measles virus antigens were detected in the lung, stomach, skin, salivary gland, spleen, and lymph nodes. Tangled, tubular nucleocapsids compatible with paramyxovirus were noted in the lung tissue. As a result of immunosuppression following measles virus infection, various secondary infections including disseminated cytomegalovirus infection, adenoviral and bacterial pneumonia, and Candida albicans-associated gingivitis and esophagitis were noted. The primary infective source or the mode of infection could not be determined in this outbreak, but measles virus may have been transmitted to the monkeys from human visitors while the monkeys were on exhibit.
Insights
A natural measles virus outbreak in Japanese macaques caused significant mortality. Measles virus infection led to immunosuppression and secondary infections in the affected primate group.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Virology
- Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Background:
- Natural measles virus infection outbreaks can occur in non-human primate populations.
- Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) are susceptible to various viral pathogens.
- Environmental changes and housing conditions may influence disease transmission in captive animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a measles virus outbreak in Japanese macaques.
- To identify the causative agent and pathological findings.
- To understand the clinical course and contributing factors of the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for viral antigen detection.
- In situ hybridization (ISH) and electron microscopy for viral identification.
- Clinical observation and post-mortem examination of affected macaques.
Main Results:
- Measles virus infection was confirmed in 12 of 53 Japanese macaques, leading to mortality.
- Viral antigens were detected in multiple organs, including lung, stomach, skin, and lymphoid tissues.
- Immunosuppression secondary to measles virus infection resulted in disseminated cytomegalovirus, adenoviral, bacterial pneumonia, and fungal infections.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus is a significant cause of mortality in Japanese macaques, potentially exacerbated by environmental stressors.
- Secondary infections play a critical role in the pathogenesis and outcome of measles virus outbreaks in this species.
- The source and transmission route remain undetermined, but human-to-primate transmission is a possibility.
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