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Factors associated with intestinal amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina)
L Ellsworth1, S Farley, R F DiGiacomo
1Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Abstract:
Factors associated with intestinal amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were studied in 74 cases at the Washington Regional Primate Research Center. The medical records of monkeys during the 5-year period from 1983 to 1988 were analyzed to determine the age at death, age at first episode of diarrhea, number of episodes of diarrhea, episode and cumulative duration of diarrhea, and etiologies of diarrhea. Univariate analysis, using one control for each case, indicated that only episode duration was related to intestinal amyloidosis. Affected monkeys had significantly longer mean episode durations of diarrhea. None of the etiologies examined--bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and simian retrovirus--were significant risk factors for amyloid deposition in the intestinal tract.
Insights
Intestinal amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques is linked to longer diarrhea episodes. This study found no association with specific diarrhea causes like bacteria or viruses in these nonhuman primates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intestinal amyloidosis is a significant concern in captive nonhuman primates.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for disease management and prevention in Macaca nemestrina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with the development of intestinal amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques.
- To investigate the relationship between diarrhea characteristics and amyloid deposition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 74 cases of pigtailed macaques.
- Data collected included age at death, diarrhea history (onset, frequency, duration), and etiologies.
- Univariate analysis was performed to assess associations with intestinal amyloidosis.
Main Results:
- Significantly longer mean episode durations of diarrhea were observed in macaques with intestinal amyloidosis.
- No significant association was found between intestinal amyloidosis and specific etiologies such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, or simian retrovirus.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged diarrhea episodes are a key factor associated with intestinal amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques.
- Current diagnostic approaches for diarrhea etiologies do not appear to predict amyloid deposition in this species.