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Spontaneous leprosy in a wild-caught cynomolgus macaque
C R Valverde1, D Canfield, R Tarara
1California Regional Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis 95616-8542, USA. crvalverde@ucdavis.edu
Summary
The first spontaneous leprosy case in an Asian macaque was identified. This finding suggests cynomolgus macaques may be susceptible to Mycobacterium leprae and could serve as leprosy models.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Primatology
Background:
- Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, has been documented in chimpanzees and sooty mangabeys.
- Nonhuman primates are crucial models for studying human diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of spontaneous leprosy in an Asian macaque.
- To evaluate the susceptibility of cynomolgus macaques to M. leprae.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for M. leprae detection.
- Histopathological examination of skin lesions.
- ELISA serology for M. leprae-specific antigens (PGL-I and LAM).
Main Results:
- A cynomolgus macaque imported from the Philippines developed leprosy consistent with human borderline (BB) leprosy.
- Longitudinal serology indicated subclinical infection prior to quarantine.
- Tuberculin skin testing may yield false positives due to non-specific sensitization.
Conclusions:
- Cynomolgus macaques are susceptible to M. leprae, challenging previous assumptions.
- This species may serve as a valuable experimental model for human leprosy research.
- Re-evaluation of nonhuman primate susceptibility to M. leprae is warranted.