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Amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina): epidemiologic aspects
M M Slattum1, S L Rosenkranz, R F DiGiacomo
1Division of Animal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Abstract:
A retrospective study of amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) at the Washington Regional Primate Research Center (WRPRC) was conducted. Between 1971 and 1985, 248 of 1,952 (13%) necropsies revealed amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques. The influence of demographic factors, diseases and experimental interventions on amyloidosis was examined. Univariate analyses, using two controls for each case, indicated that age, sex, birthplace and residence were related to amyloidosis. After adjusting for age, females were not at greater risk. However, monkeys born at the WRPRC were at greater risk and monkeys 0 to 5 years old residing at the breeding colony were at greater risk than monkeys at the research center. After adjustment for age, monkeys were at greater risk of developing amyloidosis if they had a history of episodes of diarrhea, respiratory disease or trauma. As the number of episodes increased, the risk increased. Monkeys with retroperitoneal fibromatosis, a manifestation of simian D retrovirus infection, were also at greater risk. Using logistic regression and controlling for age, sex, birthplace and residence, monkeys with diarrhea remained at an elevated risk for amyloidosis. Compared with a model combining diarrhea, respiratory disease, septicemia, surgery, trauma and retroperitoneal fibromatosis, a model with diarrhea alone accounted for most of the increased risk.
Insights
Amyloidosis is prevalent in pigtailed macaques, with diarrhea being a significant risk factor. This retrospective study highlights key demographic and disease associations for amyloidosis in this primate model.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Medicine
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Amyloidosis, a condition of abnormal protein deposits, can affect various species, including non-human primates.
- Understanding risk factors in research animals like pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) is crucial for animal welfare and research integrity.
- Previous studies on amyloidosis in this species are limited, necessitating further investigation into associated factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques.
- To examine the influence of demographic factors, diseases, and experimental interventions on amyloidosis development.
- To identify specific clinical conditions or characteristics that increase the likelihood of amyloidosis in this primate population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing necropsy records from 1971 to 1985 at the Washington Regional Primate Research Center (WRPRC).
- Inclusion of 248 cases of amyloidosis from 1,952 necropsies.
- Statistical analyses including univariate analyses and logistic regression, controlling for age, sex, birthplace, and residence.
Main Results:
- Amyloidosis was identified in 13% of necropsies.
- Age, sex, birthplace, and residence were associated with amyloidosis.
- Monkeys born at WRPRC and those aged 0-5 years in the breeding colony showed increased risk.
- History of diarrhea, respiratory disease, or trauma increased amyloidosis risk, with risk escalating with episode frequency.
- Retroperitoneal fibromatosis (a simian D retrovirus manifestation) also correlated with higher risk.
- Diarrhea remained a significant risk factor after controlling for other variables, accounting for most of the increased risk.
Conclusions:
- Demographic factors and specific disease histories, particularly recurrent diarrhea, are significant risk factors for amyloidosis in pigtailed macaques.
- Early-onset disease and specific housing conditions may influence amyloidosis development.
- Diarrhea emerges as a primary clinical predictor of amyloidosis in this macaque population, underscoring the importance of gastrointestinal health management.