Clinical veterinarian’s perspective of non-human primate (NHP) use in drug safety studies

Naturally occurring infections in non-human primates (NHP) and immunotoxicity implications: Discussion sessions

“…For the most informed path forward, it is important to understand the interaction between the infectious organism and the host immune system, as is discussed in the preceeding publications of presentations during the morning sessions (Hutto, 2010;Lerche, 2010;Price, 2010;Sasseville and Mansfield, 2010;Simmons, 2010;Taylor, 2010).…”

“…Key differences include the low reserve capacity of several monkey species, as previously discussed, which magnifies and accelerates the consequences of inappetence and reduced water consumption, and relatively poor hygiene (i.e., lack of daily cleansing, hand washing, etc.) and possibility for fecal-oral and cage-to-cage transmission of bacteria (Taylor, 2010). This may result in rapid progression of infection such that traditional intervention techniques will not be beneficial.…”

“…Presentation may consist of epistaxis (VandeWoude and Luzarraga, 1991), upper respiratory disease (nasal discharge, congestion), meningitis, cough, and/or dyspnea, and the infections may be treated with enrofloxacin, penicillin, and/or cephalosporins (Fox et al, 2002;Taylor, 2010). Other bacterial infections such as skin abscesses secondary to trauma are commonly caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp.…”

“…Commonly-used treatments include supportive care, enrofloxacin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole. Treatment for some species, such as Salmonella spp., may be a concern as animals may become carriers, and multidrug resistance can be common (Fox et al, 2002;Taylor, 2010).…”

“…Other bacterial infections such as skin abscesses secondary to trauma are commonly caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. Common treatments include penicillin, amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and cephalosporins [for a more detailed review of these pathogens commonly observed in monkeys, see Taylor (2010) …”