Viral Diseases of Common Marmosets

Detection of herpesviruses in neotropical primates from São Paulo, Brazil

Transmission of herpesvirus between humans and non-human primates represents a serious potential threat to human health and endangered species conservation. This study aimed to identify herpesvirus genomes in samples of neotropical primates (NTPs) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 242 NTPs, including Callithrix sp., Alouatta sp., Sapajus sp., and Callicebus sp., were evaluated by pan-herpesvirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Sixty-two (25.6%) samples containing genome segments representative of members of the family Herpesviridae, including 16.1% for Callitrichine gammaherpesvirus 3, 6.1% for Human alphaherpesvirus 1, 2.1% for Alouatta macconnelli cytomegalovirus, and 0.83% for Cebus albifrons lymphocryptovirus 1. No co-infections were detected. The detection of herpesvirus genomes was significantly higher among adult animals (p = 0.033) and those kept under human care (p = 0.008671). These findings confirm the importance of monitoring the occurrence of herpesviruses in NTP populations in epizootic events.

Multinucleate parietal cells and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the gastric epithelium of callitrichids

Inclusion bodies (IBs) and multinucleate cells can be associated with viral infections; however, IBs and multinucleate cells have been described in normal tissue and with non-viral disease processes in multiple species. We examined fundic stomach from 50 callitrichids histologically for bi- and multinucleate parietal cells and cytoplasmic IBs in gastric epithelial cells. Callitrichids represented included 6 genera: Saguinus (4 spp.), Leontopithecus (1 sp.), Mico (3 spp.), Cebuella (1 sp.), Callithrix (1 sp.), Callimico (1 sp.), and 13 unspecified marmosets. Gastric epithelial IBs were present in 46 of 47 (98%) of the callitrichids from which the stomach was sufficiently well preserved to identify IBs. Cytoplasmic IBs were identified in gastric surface pit epithelial cells (43 of 44, 98%), mucous neck cells (43 of 44, 98%), parietal cells (43 of 44, 98%), and chief cells (43 of 44, 98%). The IBs were eosinophilic, ovoid, round, elongate, or variably indented, sometimes slightly refractile, and 1-6 × 1-13 µm. IBs were sometimes perinuclear and molded around the nucleus. Electron microscopy of the gastric epithelium of one marmoset indicated that IBs were composed of intermediate filaments. The IBs did not stain with immunohistochemical markers for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 or vimentin. Binucleate parietal cells were found in 49 of 50 (98%) callitrichids, and multinucleate parietal cells were observed in 40 of 49 (82%) callitrichids. Gastric epithelial cytoplasmic IBs and bi- and multinucleate parietal cells are likely a normal finding in callitrichids, and, to our knowledge, have not been reported previously.

Revised recommendations for health monitoring of non-human primate colonies (2018): FELASA Working Group Report

The genetic and biological similarity between non-human primates and humans has ensured the continued use of primates in biomedical research where other species cannot be used. Health-monitoring programmes for non-human primates provide an approach to monitor and control both endemic and incoming agents that may cause zoonotic and anthroponotic disease or interfere with research outcomes. In 1999 FELASA recommendations were published which aimed to provide a harmonized approach to health monitoring programmes for non-human primates. Scientific and technological progress, understanding of non-human primates and evolving microbiology has necessitated a review and replacement of the current recommendations. These new recommendations are aimed at users and breeders of the commonly used non-human primates; Macaca mulatta (Rhesus macaque) and Macaca fascicularis (Cynomolgus macaque). In addition, other species including Callithrix jacchus (Common marmoset) Saimiri sciureus (Squirrel monkey) and others are included. The important and challenging aspects of non-human primate health-monitoring programmes are discussed, including management protocols to maintain and improve health status, health screening strategies and procedures, health reporting and certification. In addition, information is provided on specific micro-organisms and the recommended frequency of testing.