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The role of the armadillo and sooty mangabey monkey in human leprosy

Heather K Hamilton1, William R Levis, Frank Martiniuk

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Baylor Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

International Journal of Dermatology
|May 15, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The armadillo and sooty mangabey are animal models for leprosy research. New molecular techniques may clarify the role of zoonotic leprosy transmission, particularly from armadillos, and its interaction with HIV.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The armadillo was the first animal model for leprosy, but its role in transmission is debated.
  • Sooty mangabey models revealed rhesus monkeys' increased susceptibility to leprosy when coinfected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV).
  • Leprosy may offer protection against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) mortality in coinfected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of zoonoses in leprosy transmission.
  • To explore the complex interactions between leprosy, SIV, and HIV.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical animal models for leprosy (armadillo, sooty mangabey).
  • Consideration of recent molecular techniques for leprosy research.
  • Analysis of cases of leprosy in native-born Americans and as an immunologic reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in HIV-positive individuals.

Main Results:

  • Leprosy in armadillos and sooty mangabeys has been influenced by human experimentation.
  • Coinfection with SIV increased leprosy susceptibility in rhesus monkeys.
  • Leprosy may have a protective effect against AIDS mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Further research, including molecular methods, is needed to determine the armadillo's role in zoonotic leprosy.
  • Experimentation with sooty mangabeys highlighted the interplay between SIV and leprosy in rhesus monkeys.
  • The relationship between HIV and leprosy warrants continued investigation.

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