Simian varicella virus in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina): clinical, pathologic, and virologic features.

Simian varicella virus (SVV; Cercopithecine herpesvirus 9) is a naturally occurring herpesvirus of nonhuman primates. Here we present the clinical, pathologic, and virologic findings from 2 cases of SVV in adult female pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina). The initial case presented with hyperthermia and a diffuse inguinal rash which spread centripetally, progressing to vesiculoulcerative dermatitis of the trunk, face, and extremities.

West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis virus antibody seroconversion, prevalence, and persistence in naturally infected pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina).

Pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) naturally infected with West Nile virus were monitored from 1999 to 2005 to determine virus-specific antibody seroconversion, prevalence, and persistence. Antibodies persisted for up to 36 months, as detected by epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent and hemagglutination inhibition assays. Exposure to cocirculating St.

Successful introduction of Macaca nemestrina infants to their mothers after cesarean delivery.

Four Macaca nemestrina infants delivered via cesarean section were introduced to their mothers after surgery. All 4 introductions were successful, although methods differed slightly between dam-infant pairs. Pairs were considered successful when the mother displayed affiliative behavior towards the infant (including grooming), cradled it ventrally, and nursed it sufficiently to maintain infant health.

Detection of systemic amyloidosis in the pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina).

Secondary amyloidosis is a progressive systemic disease for which there is no reliable diagnostic assay, preventive measure, or treatment. In an attempt to elucidate an antemortem diagnosis, 30 female pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) at the Washington National Primate Research Center were surveyed for amyloidosis. Amyloid was demonstrated histologically in 47% (14 of 30) of the animals.

Comparison of commercially available and novel West Nile virus immunoassays for detection of seroconversion in pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina).

We report the assessment and validation of an NS1 epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) in macaques. Sera from naturally infected Macaca nemestrina were tested by ELISA and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Results were correlated with hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) data.

Psychological well-being in paired adult female rhesus (Macaca mulatta).

We assessed the effects of social living (pairing) on improving the psychological well-being of adult female rhesus macaques (Mucuca mulutta) housed under laboratory conditions. We measured well-being in 12 pairs and 12 singly housed females through multiple indices of health (hematology, clinical morbidity, and body weight), stress (immune responses), behavior (preferences for social proximity, exhibition of species typical affliative behavior, and rates of abnormal behavior), and reproduction (frequency of ovulation, rates of conception, and infant survival). We selected adult females that had been living in single-unit cages and paired them in larger cages.