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Unique case of granulomatous arteritis in a grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) - first case description
Nicole Cichon1, Karen Lampe1, Felix Bremmer2
1German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Overall, diseases of the vascular system are rarely observed entities among nonhuman primates that are commonly associated with systemic infections, septicemia or bacteremia. Rhesus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) may develop a chronic occlusive arteriopathy of unknown etiology in late stages of the disease. This SIV associated arteriopathy is the only well-known specific vascular entity described in nonhuman primates. We herein report a unique case of granulomatous arteritis in a grey mouse lemur affecting multiple organs, which is not comparable to other disease entities formerly described in nonhuman primates. The features of the entity most closely resemble disseminated visceral giant cell arteritis in humans. A concise description of the disease is given, and the differential diagnoses are discussed. An idiopathic pathogenesis is suspected.
Insights
A rare granulomatous arteritis was identified in a grey mouse lemur, distinct from other nonhuman primate vascular diseases. This unique condition shares similarities with human giant cell arteritis, with an idiopathic cause suspected.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Medicine
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Vascular diseases are uncommon in nonhuman primates, often linked to infections.
- Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) can cause arteriopathy in rhesus monkeys, a known primate vascular entity.
- Existing primate vascular diseases are typically associated with systemic infections or specific viral etiologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of granulomatous arteritis in a grey mouse lemur.
- To describe the clinical and pathological features of this novel vascular disease.
- To compare the findings with known vascular pathologies in nonhuman primates and humans.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of a grey mouse lemur.
- Gross and microscopic evaluation of multiple affected organs.
- Differential diagnosis based on morphological features and comparison with existing literature.
Main Results:
- A unique granulomatous arteritis affecting multiple organs was observed in the grey mouse lemur.
- The pathological features most closely resemble disseminated visceral giant cell arteritis seen in humans.
- This condition is distinct from previously described vascular entities in nonhuman primates, including SIV-associated arteriopathy.
Conclusions:
- A novel form of granulomatous arteritis has been identified in a grey mouse lemur.
- The disease presents features analogous to human giant cell arteritis.
- An idiopathic pathogenesis is suspected, warranting further investigation into primate vascular pathologies.
