A bio-behavioral study of chronic idiopathic colitis in the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2012 |
Authors: |
S. Howell, D. White, S. Ingram, R. Jackson, J. Larin, P. Morales, A. P. Garcia, C. Hicks, K. Hopper, J. Wagner |
Publication/Journal: |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Keywords: |
bio-behavior, colitis, cortisol, diarrhea, dominance, social behavior |
ISBN: |
01681591 |
Abstract:
This study focused on the bio-social factors that influence chronic idiopathic colitis (CIC) disease in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). A retrospective study of CIC included all colony animals between 2007 and 2009. A prospective study included 36 rhesus macaques treated for CIC in 2008 and 2009 and age/sex matched controls. Data incorporated retrospective analyses of medical records and prospective analysis of behavioral measures (focal behavior, dominance rank, personality) and biological measures (fecal cultures, complete blood counts (CBC)/chemistry, baseline cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) testing, histopathology). Retrospective results indicate the incidence of new cases of CIC averaged about 4% per year and the prevalence of ongoing cases averaged about 6% per year or about 60 cases per 1000 animals. CIC symptoms began between 6 months and 1 year of age with males affected at a higher incidence than females. Results suggest CIC subjects were low ranking, spent more time away from others, and personality tests indicate they were low gregarious individuals. CIC baseline cortisol levels were low compared to healthy controls although CIC subjects responded normally to ACTH challenge. Hematology and clinical chemistry values indicate most CIC subjects had relatively high levels of glucose, triglycerides, and basophils and low levels of electrolytes (Na, Cl, K). CIC subjects were routinely negative for Campylobacter, Yersinia, Shigella and Salmonella species. Histological analysis confirmed moderate plasmacytic colitis with crypt microabscesses. Results suggest CIC is a dynamic, multi-factorial disease that affects both biology and behavior.