Hematology and Serum Biochemistry Reference Intervals for Captive-Born Owl Monkeys (Aotus nancymae): Effects of Age and Sex.

BACKGROUND

Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) are a nocturnal nonhuman primate (NHP) native to central and South America that are used as infectious disease research models for human diseases, such as malaria and human immunodeficiency virus. Natural and infectious diseases may cause alterations in the hematology and serum biochemistry values, which necessitate the availability of reliable reference intervals for healthy animals.

METHODS

In this study, hematology and serum chemistry reference intervals for Aotus nancymae were calculated from 191 healthy animals (95 female, 96 male) and were generated based on age class (juvenile, adult, geriatric), sex (adults only), and across the entire sample.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in multiple parameters as a function of sex and age, some of which are inconsistent with existing data from Aotus spp. and other NHPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of age and sex specific reference intervals will be a valuable resource for monitoring the clinical health and effects of research interventions in owl monkeys.