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Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Diagnostic exercise: papulovesicular dermatitis in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
T R Schoeb1, R Eberle, D H Black
1Department of Genetics, Univeresity of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. trs@uab.edu
Veterinary Pathology
|July 1, 2008
Summary
Simian varicella virus caused a severe vesicular rash and organ damage in rhesus monkeys. One monkey succumbed to the infection, highlighting the virus
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Primate Medicine
Background:
- Rhesus monkeys can be susceptible to various viral infections.
- Multifocal vesicular dermatitis is a recognized clinical sign in some animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of a novel vesicular dermatitis outbreak in rhesus monkeys.
- To characterize the pathological findings associated with the disease.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of affected rhesus monkeys.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of tissues.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral identification.
- Serologic testing for antibody detection.
Main Results:
- Eleven rhesus monkeys presented with multifocal erythematous and vesicular rash.
- One severe case resulted in death, with necropsy revealing hemorrhagic necrosis in lungs and viscera.
- Intranuclear inclusions were observed in affected tissues.
- Simian varicella virus was confirmed as the etiological agent.
Conclusions:
- Simian varicella virus is responsible for a severe vesicular dermatitis and systemic disease in rhesus monkeys.
- The virus can cause significant morbidity and mortality.
- This finding has implications for primate health and research.

