SURGICAL-CORRECTION OF SEVERE VAGINAL INTROITAL STENOSIS IN FEMALE BABOONS (PAPIO SP) INFECTED WITH SIMIAN AGENT-8

Simian agent 8 (SA8) is a neurotropic, endemic alphaherpesvirus in Pap io sp. Lesions associated with simian agent 8 infections usually invol ve the genitalia of sexually mature baboons. In females, secondary bac terial infections may lead to scarring of the vulva and perineum, with resulting vaginal obstruction. Affected baboons are poor breeders and often develop urinary tract infections due to retention of urine in t he vagina. Reconstructive vaginal surgery was performed on seven baboo ns with vaginal obstruction. Four weeks before surgery, 50 mg of Depo- Provera(R) was administered intramuscularly to each animal to arrest t he estrous cycle, reduce swelling, and allow adequate surgical exposur e of the vagina. Ventral and circular incisions were made around the c onstricted vagina. The peripheral skin was excised to break down the u nderlying connective tissue, allowing access to the vaginal mucosa. He althy vaginal tissue was then opposed to the incised skin edges with 3 -0 Vicryl in an interrupted pattern. Once healed, the vaginas remained patent, allowing normal mating and urination. Nine months after surge ry, five baboons had healthy infants, and pregnancy was confirmed in t he other two animals. The described procedure may allow female baboons previously infertile and at risk of urinary tract infections to be re turned to a healthy reproductive state.