Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) model of Helicobacter pylori: Noninvasive detection and derivation of specific-pathogen-free monkeys

Background and Purpose: Development of the rhesus monkey model of Helicobac ter pylori has been hampered by problems with serodetection and by the diff iculty of identifying specific-pathogen (Helicobacter)free animals. Our pur pose was to determine whether detection could be improved and to determine if pathogen-free monkeys could be derived by nursery rearing. Methods: An enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and a [C-14]urea br eath test were compared to endoscopy to determine H. pylori infection statu s in rhesus macaques; 18 animals were hand raised in the nursery to determi ne whether pathogen-free animals could be selected. Results: Helicobacter pylori infection was common in colony-raised young rh esus monkeys and was nearly universal by adulthood. Serodetection, using an tigen from rhesus-derived H, pylori strains, was 95% sensitive and 94% spec ific. The [C-14]urea breath test was 96% sensitive and 88% specific for det ection of chronic Helicobacter infection in rhesus monkeys. Segregation of newborn animals within the first 24 h of life was a reliable method to obta in pathogen-free rhesus monkeys, Conclusion: Isolation of specific-pathogen-free animals, together with bett er detection methods, may improve the value of the rhesus monkey model for the study of H. pylori pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine developme nt.