ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Long-acting, hormonal contraception may increase HIV risk. Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) could serve as non-hormonal alternatives. We pilot a pigtail macaque model for evaluating HIV susceptibility factors during copper IUD use. METHODS: Frameless and flexible GyneFix(®) copper IUDs were surgically implanted into three SHIVSF 162p3 -positive macaques via hysterotomy and monitored for up to 4 months. Four macaques served as non-IUD controls. RESULTS: All animals retained the devices without complications. No consistent change in vaginal viral RNA or inflammatory cytokines was seen. Two animals had altered menstrual cycles and experienced marked thinning of vaginal epithelium after IUD insertion. Histological examination of uterine tissue at necropsy revealed endometrial ulceration and lymphocytic inflammation with glandular loss at sites of direct IUD contact. CONCLUSIONS: Although the need for insertion surgery could limit its usefulness, this model will allow studies on copper IUDs and SHIV shedding, disease progression, and HIV susceptibility factors.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/prevention & control , Intrauterine Devices, Copper/adverse effects , Macaca nemestrina , Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control , Animals , Contraception , Disease Models, Animal , Disease Susceptibility/immunology , Disease Susceptibility/physiopathology , Disease Susceptibility/virology , Female , HIV/physiology , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV Infections/physiopathology , HIV Infections/virology , Humans , Macaca nemestrina/immunology , Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/immunology , Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/physiopathology , Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/virology , Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/isolation & purification , Uterus/immunology , Virus SheddingABSTRACT
Identification of the select agent Burkholderia pseudomallei in macaques imported into the United States is rare. A purpose-bred, 4.5-y-old pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) imported from Southeast Asia was received from a commercial vendor at our facility in March 2012. After the initial acclimation period of 5 to 7 d, physical examination of the macaque revealed a subcutaneous abscess that surrounded the right stifle joint. The wound was treated and resolved over 3 mo. In August 2012, 2 mo after the stifle joint wound resolved, the macaque exhibited neurologic clinical signs. Postmortem microbiologic analysis revealed that the macaque was infected with B. pseudomallei. This case report describes the clinical evaluation of a B. pseudomallei-infected macaque, management and care of the potentially exposed colony of animals, and protocols established for the animal care staff that worked with the infected macaque and potentially exposed colony. This article also provides relevant information on addressing matters related to regulatory issues and risk management of potentially exposed animals and animal care staff.
