Nonspecific Lymphocytic Myocarditis in Baboons Is Associated with Trypanosoma cruzi Infection

Abstract

Non-specific lymphocytic myocarditis (NLM) is frequently observed in baboons within the endemic range of Trypanosoma cruzi. We sought to determine whether T. cruzi infection is a cause of baboon NLM. We evaluated serial histologic sections of cardiac muscle, blood cultures, immunohistochemistry, serology, polymerase chain reaction, and clinical pathology from 31 baboons with NLM to determine whether T. cruzi infection is associated with NLM. Eleven baboons with no evidence of T. cruzi infection by serology and no NLM were used as controls. Seropositivity for T. cruzi was 45% in baboons with NLM compared with a 2-3% colony prevalence. NLM lesion severity was significantly higher in seropositive than seronegative baboons with NLM. NLM was significantly more common in older baboons. No statistical association between NLM and sex, weight, or clinical pathology was found. These results suggest an association between NLM and T. cruzi infection in the baboon.

Correlation between Presence of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in Heart Tissue of Baboons and Cynomolgus Monkeys, and Lymphocytic Myocarditis

“…A previous study from our institute reported an association between nonspecific lymphocytic myocarditis and T. cruzi serology positivity in baboons 29 ; our results further confirm that association and extend it to our cynomolgus monkey colony.…”

Nonhuman Primates

“…cruzi infections have been reported in a number of New World species including marmoset, squirrel, spider, cebus, and woolly monkeys, and Old World species including baboons, macaques, and great apes (Williams et al, 2009;Andrade et al, 2009;Mubiru et al, 2014;Kunz et al, 2002). cruzi infections have been reported in a number of New World species including marmoset, squirrel, spider, cebus, and woolly monkeys, and Old World species including baboons, macaques, and great apes (Williams et al, 2009;Andrade et al, 2009;Mubiru et al, 2014;Kunz et al, 2002).…”

Mortality in captive baboons (Papio spp.): a‐23‐year study

“…Animals with anomaly-related mortality were more likely to have died (9, 75.0%) than to have been euthanized. The most common anomalies encountered were aortic aneurism rupture (5), atrial septal defect (2), and patent foramen ovale (2). Other anomalies seen once each were cardiac dysplasia, pulmonary artery stenosis, persistent ductus arteriosus, and tetrology of Fallot.…”