PERIODONTITIS IN THE BABOON - A POTENTIAL MODEL FOR HUMAN-DISEASE

Advances in periodontics with respect to disease activity, microbiolog y and immunology have demonstrated the multifactorial nature of period ontal diseases. This serves to underscore the need for an ideal animal model for periodontal research. Non-human primates are most similar t o man in comparison to other animal models. The baboon is an Old World monkey that has infrequently been used in periodontal research. Perio dontal exams were accomplished on 116 baboons (Papio anubis, P. cynoce phalus) ages 5 to 30 years with one baboon year being roughly equivale nt to 3 to 4 human years. The study population consisted of 29 males a nd 87 females. Clinical parameters including probing depth, attachment level, mobility, plaque index and gingival index were collected. Radi ographs were taken on 25 animals and correlated to clinical findings. Results showed a significant increase in mean probing depth and mean a ttachment level with age (p = 0.0001). Disease prevalence and severity were not significantly different between genders. Mobility was uncomm on; however, the prevalence and severity of furcation involvement incr eased with age. Radiographs suggested horizontal and isolated vertical bone loss. Plaque and gingival indices were at sustained high levels for all age groups and showed a statistically significant increase wit h age. Some baboons were found to develop a naturally-occurring period ontitis that increased in severity with age. This primate may be a sui table model for studies in human periodontal disease.