Disseminated lymphoma in a rhesus monkey: a case report

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Primate Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) is a common herpesvirus in rhesus macaques.
• Herpesviruses are known to establish lifelong infections and can be associated with various pathologies.
• The oncogenic potential of specific viral co-infections in non-human primates warrants investigation.

Observation:

• A rhesus macaque was experimentally inoculated with RhCMV.
• A distinct leukocyte-associated herpesvirus, unrelated to RhCMV, was subsequently isolated from the same animal.
• The monkey remained under observation for four years post-inoculation.

Findings:

• The rhesus monkey developed a disseminated lymphoma four years after RhCMV inoculation.
• The presence of two distinct herpesviruses raises questions about their individual or combined contribution to the lymphoma.
• This case highlights a potential link between RhCMV infection and lymphomagenesis in macaques.

Implications:

• This case provides a potential model for studying herpesvirus-associated lymphoma in a primate setting.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which RhCMV or co-infecting viruses may contribute to lymphoma development.
• Understanding these viral-host interactions is crucial for managing health in captive primate populations and for comparative oncology studies.