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The African green monkey as an alternate primate host for studying Machupo virus infection
Abstract:
African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) are highly susceptible to Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF). Six monkeys were inoculated with 1,000 plague-forming units of Machupo virus, the etiologic agent of BHF. They were observed and monitored for clinical signs, body temperature, viremia, hematologic changes, and virus neutralizing antibody. Onset of fever, anorexia, and depression was noted on days 3 to 6 postinoculation. These and other signs increased in severity and all monkeys died: 5 of 6 died by day 13 and one survived until day 24. The median time to death for the group was 12.5 days. The mean value for hematocrit determinations gradually decreased to 30 on day 10 but subsequently increased. Mean neutrophil and lymphocyte values increased slightly until day 3, and then decreased to minimal values of 3,000 and 2,000, respectively, on day 10. Four monkeys were viremic by day 7 and all were viremic on day 10. The monkey that survived until day 24 had a neutralizing antibody titer of 1:32 on day 14 and appeared to recover from the initial acute illness by day 16. It died following onset of severe neurologic signs on day 23. BHF in the African green monkey is similar to the disease described in two species of macaques.
Insights
African green monkeys are highly susceptible to Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF). Machupo virus infection in these monkeys leads to severe illness and death, with one survivor developing neurological complications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) are known to be highly susceptible to Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF).
- Bolivian hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Machupo virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical progression and pathological outcomes of Machupo virus infection in African green monkeys.
- To compare the disease course in this primate model to that observed in other primate species.
Main Methods:
- Six African green monkeys were inoculated with 1,000 plague-forming units of Machupo virus.
- Subjects were monitored for clinical signs, body temperature, viremia, hematologic changes, and neutralizing antibody responses.
- Mortality rates and time to death were recorded.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs including fever, anorexia, and depression appeared 3-6 days post-inoculation.
- All monkeys exhibited viremia by day 10; five died by day 13, with a median survival time of 12.5 days.
- One monkey survived the acute phase, developing neurological signs and dying on day 23, despite having detectable neutralizing antibodies.
Conclusions:
- African green monkeys serve as a relevant model for studying Bolivian hemorrhagic fever.
- Machupo virus infection in this species recapitulates key features of BHF observed in other macaques.
- The study highlights the potential for delayed neurological complications even in apparent survivors.