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Published on: April 22, 2010
Measles in monkeys: an epidemiological study
Abstract:
This study describes aspects of measles in non-human primates. Monkeys infected before importation are shown to produce non-immune offspring in captivity in England. The high antibody titres found in most recently imported monkeys decline slowly during captivity in England. While measles is often fatal to monkeys, we have described an outbreak in which a number of symptomless infections occurred. Histological examination of fatal cases produced evidence of infection in the wall of the urinary bladder in one monkey. The close similarity between measles in humans and monkeys has been confirmed. It is considered that the study of infection among the latter may have significance for the former.
Insights
Measles in non-human primates can result in symptomless infections and non-immune offspring, even with high antibody titers in imported monkeys. This research highlights the close similarity between human and primate measles, suggesting implications for both.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Primate Immunology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Measles virus is a significant pathogen in non-human primates.
- Understanding measles transmission and pathogenesis in primates is crucial for conservation and public health.
- Imported primates can pose a risk for disease introduction into naive populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate measles infection dynamics in captive non-human primates.
- To assess the impact of importation on measles immunity in primate populations.
- To explore the clinical and pathological manifestations of measles in monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring antibody titers in imported and captive monkeys.
- Observing clinical signs and outcomes of measles infection.
- Histopathological examination of tissues from fatal cases.
Main Results:
- Imported monkeys with high antibody titers showed slow antibody decline in captivity.
- Infected monkeys produced non-immune offspring.
- An outbreak included symptomless infections, contrasting with measles' usual fatality in monkeys.
- Histology revealed measles virus infection in the urinary bladder wall of one monkey.
Conclusions:
- Measles in non-human primates shares close similarities with human measles.
- Primate measles studies offer valuable insights into human measles pathogenesis and control.
- The potential for symptomless infections and transmission in primates warrants further investigation.
