NAVLE Primates

Primate Rubeola Study Guide

Rubeola (measles) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae.

Overview and Clinical Importance

Rubeola (measles) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae. While primarily a human disease, rubeola poses a significant threat to nonhuman primates (NHPs) in captivity, laboratory, and zoo settings. Transmission occurs through human-to-primate contact, with humans serving as the natural reservoir. This is a critical zoonotic disease that can cause epizootic outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality in primate colonies.

Category Susceptible Species Disease Severity
Highly Susceptible New World Species: Marmosets (Callitrichidae), Colobus monkeys Severe disease with HIGH MORTALITY (can exceed 50-70%)
Moderately Susceptible Old World Species: Rhesus macaques, Cynomolgus macaques, Baboons, African green monkeys Mild to moderate disease; lower mortality; better immune response
Great Apes Gorillas, Chimpanzees Variable severity; significant morbidity possible

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Viral Characteristics

Causative Agent: Measles virus (MV), genus Morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae

Viral Structure: Enveloped, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus with two key receptors:

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