Variation in Craniodental Pathologies Among Cercopithecoid Primates

Area of Science:

• Primate Paleopathology
• Primate Socioecology
• Comparative Anatomy

Background:

• Skull and tooth pathologies are well-studied in humans but less so in other primates.
• Understanding craniodental lesions in primates offers insights into their health and behavior.
• Socioecological factors may influence disease prevalence in non-human primates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare craniodental lesion prevalence and patterns across six cercopithecoid primate species.
• To investigate the relationship between lesion patterns and socioecological variables.
• To explore potential links between dental pathologies, temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, and social behavior.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of adult skulls from six species (Nasalis larvatus, Colobus polykomos, Cercopithecus mitis, Macaca fascicularis, Theropithecus gelada, Papio anubis) for multiple lesion types.
• Analysis of lesion prevalence in relation to cranial suture fusion as an age proxy.
• Statistical comparison of sex and species differences, pathology co-occurrence, and socioecological data.

Main Results:

• Sex differences in lesion prevalence were observed only in Papio anubis.
• Caries in Macaca and pulp cavity exposure in multiple taxa showed associations with other lesions, including temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.
• Male Papio anubis exhibited higher lesion prevalence, particularly in the anterior dentition and facial trauma, potentially linked to male-male competition.

Conclusions:

• Craniodental lesion prevalence in primates appears influenced by socioecological factors rather than solely by age.
• Dental infections may contribute to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in non-human primates, mirroring human conditions.
• Skeletal lesion analysis provides valuable insights into primate socioecology and offers biological context for human health.