Combined simian hemorrhagic fever and Ebola virus infection in cynomolgus monkeys

Simian hemorrhagic fever (SHF) virus and a new strain of Ebola virus were isolated concurrently in recently imported cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) being maintained in a quarantine facility. Ebola virus had never been isolated in the U.S. previously and was presumed to be highly pathogenic for humans. A chronology of events including measures taken to address the public health concerns is presented. The clinicopathologic features of the disease were abrupt anorexia, splenomegaly, marked elevations of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, with less prominent elevations of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and other serum chemistry parameters. Histologically, fibrin deposition, hemorrhage, and necrosis of lymphoid cells and reticular mononuclear phagocytes were present in the spleens of SHF and of Ebola virus-infected animals. Intravascular fibrin thrombi and hemorrhage were also present in the renal medulla and multifocally in the gastrointestinal tract. Necrosis of lymphoid and epithelial cells was occasionally noted in the gastrointestinal tract. The histopathologic findings considered specific for Ebola virus infection include hepatocellular necrosis, necrosis of the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex, and interstitial pneumonia, all of which were generally associated with the presence of 1 to 4 mu intracytoplasmic amphophilic inclusion bodies. The disease spread within rooms despite discontinuation of all direct contact with animals, and droplet or aerosol transmission was suspected. Antibody to Ebola virus developed in animal handlers but no clinical disease was noted, suggesting a less virulent strain of virus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)