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The Owl Monkey (Aotus spp.) as an Animal Research Model. Part 3: Research Use and Diseases
Alfonso S Gozalo1, William R Elkins1
1Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Medical Primatology
|May 21, 2025
Summary
Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) are unique nocturnal primates extensively used in malaria research for over 50 years. They also serve as valuable models for various infectious and noninfectious diseases, including those with zoonotic potential.
Area of Science:
- Primate research
- Infectious disease modeling
- Zoonotic disease
Background:
- Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) are the sole nocturnal simian primates, distinguishing them from other nonhuman primates.
- They possess unique biological characteristics making them suitable for diverse research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established use of owl monkeys in biomedical research, particularly malaria.
- To highlight their broader utility as models for various infectious and noninfectious diseases.
- To discuss spontaneous diseases in owl monkeys, including those with zoonotic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of owl monkey research applications.
- Compilation of data on spontaneous diseases affecting owl monkeys.
- Analysis of zoonotic disease risks associated with owl monkey research.
Main Results:
- Owl monkeys have been instrumental in malaria research for over five decades.
- This genus serves as a model for a wide spectrum of infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, mycotic, parasitic).
- Owl monkeys naturally contract diseases, some posing zoonotic risks relevant to researchers.
Conclusions:
- Owl monkeys are versatile animal models with a long history in biomedical research.
- Understanding their spontaneous disease spectrum is crucial for ethical and safe research practices.
- Their unique nocturnal nature and disease susceptibility offer valuable insights into primate biology and disease.
