Congenital anomalies in the baboon (Papio spp.)

Background A comprehensive survey of the prevalence of congenital anomalies in baboons has not been previously reported. We report the congenital anomalies observed over a 26‐year period in a large captive baboon colony. Methods A computer search was performed for all baboon congenital anomalies identified at necropsy and recorded on necropsy submissions. Results We identified 198 congenital anomalies in 166 baboons from 9972 necropsies (1.66% of total necropsies). The nervous, urogenital, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems were most commonly affected. The most common organs affected were the brain, bone, heart, testicle, kidney, penis, aorta, and skeletal muscle. The most frequent congenital anomalies were blindness, seizures, and hydrocephalus. Conclusions The baboon has an overall frequency of congenital anomalies similar to humans and other non‐human primates. Although the most frequently affected systems are similar, congenital anomalies involving the digestive system appear to be less common in the baboon.     

Development of a pigtail macaque model of sexually transmitted infection/HIV coinfection using Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and SHIV(SF162P3)

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with an increased risk of HIV infection. To model the interaction between STIs and HIV infection, we evaluated the capacity of the pigtail macaque model to sustain triple infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and SHIV_SF162P3. Methods Seven SHIV_SF162P3‐infected pigtail macaques were inoculated with T. vaginalis only (n = 2), C. trachomatis only (n = 1), both T. vaginalis and C. trachomatis (n = 2), or control media (no STI; n = 2). Infections were confirmed by culture and/or nucleic acid testing. Genital mucosa was visualized by colposcopy. Results Characteristic gynecologic signs were observed for both STIs, but not in control animals. Manifestations were most prominent at days 7–10 post‐infection. STIs persisted between 4 and 6 weeks and were cleared with antibiotics. Conclusions These pilot studies demonstrate the first successful STI‐SHIV triple infection of pigtail macaques, with clinical presentation of genital STI symptoms similar to those observed in humans.     

Cooling rate affects rhesus monkey sperm survival

Background The rate at which lethal intracellular ice formation occurs during cryopreservation is highly dependent on several variables. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal rate at which rhesus sperm can be cooled. Methods Experiments were performed using three rates of cooling. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer‐assisted semen analysis, and post‐thaw viability was determined using propidium iodide labeling and flow cytometry. Semen was frozen at three cooling rates: (i) fast, (ii) slow, and (iii) standard. Straws were thawed for 30 s at 37°C for analysis of motility and viability. Results Post‐thaw motility and viability were comparable between freezing curves. Sperm cryopreserved using the slow freeze curve exhibited lowest motility and viability. Conclusions This study indicates that macaque sperm survive cooling optimally when cooling rates range from ?17 to ?34°C/minute. Conversely, slow cooling was detrimental and resulted in poor quality sperm.