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Experimental leprosy in three species of monkeys
Abstract:
Eleven mangabey monkeys inoculated with Mycobacterium leprae developed lepromatous-type leprosy. Nine of the mangabeys were inoculated with M. leprae isolated from a mangabey with naturally acquired lepromatous leprosy. Immune function was depressed in some of these animals after dissemination of the disease. Two mangabeys developed lepromatous leprosy after inoculation with human M. leprae passaged in an armadillo. Three rhesus and three African green monkeys inoculated with mangabey-derived M. leprae also developed lepromatous leprosy. Mangabeys may be the first reported nonhuman primate model for the study of leprosy. Rhesus and African green monkeys may also prove to be reproducibly susceptible to the disease.
Insights
Mangabey monkeys are a potential new model for leprosy research, developing the disease after inoculation with Mycobacterium leprae. This study demonstrates their susceptibility and potential for studying leprosy in nonhuman primates.
Area of Science:
- Primate immunology
- Infectious diseases
- Mycobacterial infections
Background:
- Leprosy remains a significant global health challenge.
- Developing reliable nonhuman primate models is crucial for advancing leprosy research.
- Previous models have limitations in reproducibility and disease manifestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mangabey monkeys as a novel nonhuman primate model for studying leprosy.
- To assess the susceptibility of mangabeys and other primate species to Mycobacterium leprae.
- To investigate the immune response in primates infected with M. leprae.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of eleven mangabey monkeys with Mycobacterium leprae from a naturally infected mangabey.
- Inoculation of two mangabey monkeys with human-derived M. leprae passaged through armadillos.
- Inoculation of rhesus and African green monkeys with M. leprae isolated from mangabeys.
Main Results:
- Eleven mangabey monkeys developed lepromatous-type leprosy.
- Immune function was compromised in some infected mangabeys.
- Rhesus and African green monkeys also developed lepromatous leprosy after inoculation.
Conclusions:
- Mangabey monkeys represent a promising new nonhuman primate model for leprosy research.
- Rhesus and African green monkeys show susceptibility to M. leprae, offering additional research avenues.
- This research facilitates further investigation into leprosy pathogenesis and potential therapeutics.