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Transmissible mink encephalopathy: experimental transmission to the squirrel monkey
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 11, 1970
Summary
Transmissible mink encephalopathy agent caused a fatal spongiform encephalopathy in squirrel monkeys. This suggests the mink disease can be transmitted to primates, confirmed by clinical and microscopic findings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Prion Diseases
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) is a fatal prion disease affecting mink.
- Prion diseases can potentially cross species barriers, affecting new hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the experimental transmission of transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) to squirrel monkeys.
- To characterize the resulting neuropathological changes in non-human primates.
Main Methods:
- Three squirrel monkeys were inoculated with primate-passaged TME agent.
- Clinical observations, histopathology, and electron microscopy were used for analysis.
Main Results:
- All inoculated squirrel monkeys developed a progressive, fatal spongiform encephalopathy.
- The disease onset occurred approximately 11 months post-inoculation.
- Clinical and pathological findings were consistent with prion disease.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for the experimental transmission of TME from mink to squirrel monkeys.
- This highlights the potential for cross-species transmission of TME to non-human primates.
- Spongiform encephalopathy in primates can be caused by the TME agent.