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Joanna M Setchell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Research Papers Dominance, Status Signals and Coloration in Male Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)
    2020
    Co-Authors: Joanna M Setchell, E. Jean Wickings
    Abstract:

    Where individuals contest access to a resource, escalated physical fighting presents a risk to all involved. The requirement for mechanisms of conflict management has led to the evolution of a variety of decision rules and signals that act to reduce the frequency of aggression during competitive encounters. We examined strategies of conflict management in male mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) living in two semi-free-ranging groups in Gabon. Adult male mandrills are large (31 kg), with long canines, making the costs of conflict potentially very high. We found that males formed dominance hierarchies, but that male– male relationships were characterized by avoidance, appeasement and ignoring. Fights were rare, but could result in death. Examination of the relationship between dominance and signaling showed that males use facial and gestural signals to communicate dominance and subordinance, avoiding escalated conflict. Male mandrills also possess rank-dependent red coloration on the face, rump and genitalia, and we examined the hypothesis that this coloration acts as a badge of status, communicating male fighting ability to other males. If this is the case, then similarity in color should lead to higher dyadic rates of aggression, while males that differ markedly should resolve encounters quickly, with the paler individual retreating. Indeed, appeasement (the grin display), threats, fights and tense stand-off encounters were significantly more frequent between similarly colored males, while clear submission was more frequent where color differences were large. We conclude that male mandrills employ both formal behavioral indicators of dominance and of subordination, and may also use relative brightness of red coloration to facilitate the assessment of individual differences in fighting ability, thereby regulating the degree of costly, escalated conflict between wellarmed males.

  • biochemical and biological validations of a faecal glucocorticoid metabolite assay in mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Conservation Physiology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Shana R Lavin, Joanna M Setchell, Miles C Woodruff, Rebeca Atencia, Glenn T Woodruff, Catharine J Wheaton
    Abstract:

    Stress is a major factor in determining success when releasing endangered species into the wild but is often overlooked. Mandrills (Mandrills sphinx) are vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and demand for bush meat and the pet trade. To help bolster in situ populations, rehabilitated rescued mandrills recently were released into a protected area in the Republic of Congo. The goal of this study was to validate the use of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) in mandrills and test field-friendly faecal hormone extraction techniques that can subsequently be used to monitor the stress physiology and welfare of mandrills throughout the release process. Using faecal samples collected from ex situ mandrills, we tested cortisol, corticosterone, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone (69a), and 11-oxoetiocholanolone EIAs. Absolute concentrations, hormone profiles following medical procedures or translocation, and high-performance liquid chromatography fraction immunoreactivity showed that the 69a assay was the best choice to monitor the stress response in this species. Samples with delayed extraction or drying times had 40–80% lower 69a concentrations than samples extracted immediately post-collection and frozen. The 69a EIA is an appropriate assay for monitoring welfare in this species in situ or ex situ, and results indicated that consistent extraction methods are important for accurate comparisons.

  • mate guarding by male mandrills Mandrillus sphinx is associated with female mhc genotype
    Behavioral Ecology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Joanna M Setchell, Kristin M. Abbott, Shane A Richards, Leslie A. Knapp
    Abstract:

    Female choice for male major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotype has been widely tested, but the relationship between male mating strategies and female MHC genotype has received far less attention. Moreover, few studies of MHC-associated mate choice test for the fitness effects underlying such choice. We examined mate-guarding by male mandrills, a species with intense male–male competition and female offspring care. We developed a statistical model based on 10 years of observations to describe how the probability a female is mate-guarded varies across her sexual cycle, among cycles and among females. We accounted for female rank, parity, and maternal relatedness. We then tested whether the occurrence of mate-guarding is influenced by 1) MHC dissimilarity, 2) female MHC diversity, and 3) specific female MHC genotypes. Finally, we tested for associations between MHC variables and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in blood samples taken during routine captures. The best-fit models included either MHC dissimilarity (males were more likely to mate-guard more dissimilar females, and there was some evidence of preference for intermediate MHC dissimilarity) or a specific MHC supertype. Four of 11 supertypes investigated were influential and one had a strong negative influence on mate-guarding. We found some evidence that the MHC genotype that attracted the least mate-guarding was disadvantageous in terms of immune function. However, we did not find evidence that MHC diversity was related to immune function. These results suggest that highly competitive males modify their mating behavior based on female MHC genotype, and a possible fitness benefit to mate choice for specific genotypes.

  • sexual selection and the differences between the sexes in mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Joanna M Setchell
    Abstract:

    Sexual selection has become a major focus in evolutionary and behavioral ecology. It is also a popular research topic in primatology. I use studies of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), a classic example of extravagant armaments and ornaments in animals, to exemplify how a long-term, multidisciplinary approach that integrates field observations with laboratory methods can contribute to on-going theoretical debates in the field of sexual selection. I begin with a brief summary of the main concepts of sexual selection theory and the differences between the sexes. I then introduce mandrills and the study population and review mandrill life history, the ontogeny of sex differences, and maternal effects. Next, I focus on male-male competition and female choice, followed by the less well-studied questions of female-female competition and male choice. This review shows how different reproductive priorities lead to very different life histories and divergent adaptations in males and females. It demonstrates how broadening traditional perspectives on sexual selection beyond the ostentatious results of intense sexual selection on males leads to an understanding of more subtle and cryptic forms of competition and choice in both sexes and opens many productive avenues in the study of primate reproductive strategies. These include the potential for studies of postcopulatory selection, female intrasexual competition, and male choice. These studies of mandrills provide comparison and, I hope, inspiration for studies of both other polygynandrous species and species with mating systems less traditionally associated with sexual selection.

  • Factors affecting fecal glucocorticoid levels in semi‐free‐ranging female mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)
    American Journal of Primatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Joanna M Setchell, E. Jean Wickings, Tessa E Smith, Leslie A. Knapp
    Abstract:

    Subordinate female cercopithecine primates often experience decreased reproductive success in comparison with high-ranking females, with a later age at sexual maturity and first reproduction and/or longer interbirth intervals. One explanation that has traditionally been advanced to explain this is high levels of chronic social stress in subordinates, resulting from agonistic and aggressive interactions and leading to higher basal levels of glucocorticoids. We assessed the relationships among fecal cortisol levels and reproductive condition, dominance rank, degree of social support, and fertility in female mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) living in a semi-free-ranging colony in Franceville, Gabon. Lower-ranking females in this colony have a reproductive disadvantage relative to higher-ranking females, and we were interested in determining whether this relationship between dominance rank and reproductive success is mediated through stress hormones. We analyzed 340 fecal samples from 19 females, collected over a 14-month period. We found that pregnant females experienced higher fecal cortisol levels than cycling or lactating females. This is similar to results for other primate species and is likely owing to increased metabolic demands and interactions between the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, estrogen, and placental production of corticotrophin releasing hormones during pregnancy. There was no influence of dominance rank on fecal cortisol levels, suggesting that subordinate females do not suffer chronic stress. This may be because female mandrills have a stable social hierarchy, with low levels of aggression and high social support. However, we found no relationship between matriline size, as a measure of social support, and fecal cortisol levels. Subordinates may be able to avoid aggression from dominants in the large enclosure or may react only transiently to specific aggressive events, rather than continuously expecting them. Finally, we found no relationship between fecal cortisol levels and fertility. There was no difference in fecal cortisol levels between conceptive and nonconceptive cycles, and no significant relationship between fecal cortisol level and either the length of postpartum amenorrhea or the number of cycles before conception. This suggests that the influence of dominance rank on female reproductive success in this population is not mediated through chronic stress in subordinate females, and that alternative explanations of the relationship between social rank and reproduction should be sought. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1023–1032, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Sandrine Souquiere - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • immunological alterations and associated diseases in mandrills Mandrillus sphinx naturally co infected with siv and stlv
    Virology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Sandrine Souquiere, Maria Makuwa, Bettina Salle, Yves Lepelletier, Franck Mortreux, Olivier Hermine, Mirdad Kazanji
    Abstract:

    Abstract Mandrills are naturally infected with simian T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)mnd. In humans, dual infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may worsen their clinical outcome. We evaluated the effect of co-infection in mandrills on viral burden, changes in T-cell subsets and clinical outcome. The SIV viral load was higher in SIV-infected mandrills than in co-infected animals, whereas the STLV-1 proviral load was higher in co-infected than in mono-infected groups. Dually infected mandrills had a statistically significantly lower CD4+ T-cell count, a lower proportion of naive CD8+ T cells and a higher proportion of central memory cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from SIV-infected animals had a lower percentage of Ki67 than those from the other groups. Co-infected monkeys had higher percentages of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Two co-infected mandrills with high immune activation and clonal integration of STLV provirus showed pathological manifestations (infective dermatitis and generalised scabies) rarely encountered in nonhuman primates.

  • immunovirological analyses of chronically simian immunodeficiency virus sivmnd 1 and sivmnd 2 infected mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Journal of Virology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Cristian Apetrei, Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Patricia Reed, Ivona Pandrea, Beth Sumpter, Ann Chahroudi, Ruy M Ribeiro, Pierre Roques
    Abstract:

    Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in African nonhuman primate (NHP) natural hosts is usually nonpathogenic, despite high levels of virus replication. We have previously shown that chronic SIV infection in sooty mangabeys (SMs) and African green monkeys (AGMs) is associated with low levels of immune activation and bystander T cell apoptosis. To compare these features with those observed in another natural host, the mandrill (MND), we conducted a cross-sectional survey of the 23 SIV-infected and 25 uninfected MNDs from the only semifree colony of mandrills available worldwide. Viral loads (VLs) were determined and phenotypic and functional analysis of peripheral blood- and lymph node-derived lymphocytes was performed. We found that mandrills chronically infected with SIVmnd-1 or SIVmnd-2 have similar levels of viral replication, and we observed a trend toward lower CD4+ T cell counts in chronically SIVmnd-2-infected MNDs than SIVmnd-1-infected MNDs. No correlation between CD4+ T cell counts and VLs in SIV-infected MNDs could be established. Of note, the levels of T cell activation, proliferation, and apoptosis were comparable between SIVmnd-1- and SIVmnd-2-infected MNDs and to those observed in uninfected animals, with the only exception being an increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha-producing CD8+ T cells in SIVmnd-2-infected MNDs. Overall, these findings recapitulate previous observations in SIV-infected SMs and AGMs and lend further evidence to the hypothesis that low levels of immune activation protect natural SIV hosts from disease progression.

  • primary simian immunodeficiency virus sivmnd 2 infection in mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Journal of Virology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Richard Onanga, Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Augustin Mouingaondeme, Cristian Apetrei, Francois Simon, Pierre Roques
    Abstract:

    Mandrills are the only nonhuman primate (NHP) naturally infected by two types of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV): SIVmnd-1 and SIVmnd-2. We have already reported that the high SIVmnd-1 replication during primary infection contrasts with only transient changes in CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. Since early virus-host interactions predict viral control and disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, we investigated the dynamics of SIVmnd-2 primary infection in mandrills to examine the impact on immune effectors in blood and lymph nodes (LNs). To avoid in vitro strain selection, all mandrills in this study received plasma from SIVmnd-2-infected mandrills. SIVmnd-2 plasma viremia peaked at 107 to 108 RNA copies/ml between days 7 and 10. This peak was followed in all four monkeys by a decline in virus replication, with a set point level of 105 to 106 RNA copies/ml at day 42 postinfection (p.i.). Viral DNA load in PBMC and LNs also peaked between days 7 and 10 (105 to 106 DNA copies/106 cells) and stabilized at 103 to 104 DNA copies/106 cells during the chronic phase. Anti-SIVmnd-2 antibodies were detected starting from days 28 to 32. A transitory decline of CD3+ CD4+ cells in the LNs occurred in animals with high peak VLs. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation in blood and LNs was noted between days 5 and 17 p.i., surrounding the peak of viral replication. This was most significant in the LNs. Activation markers then returned to preinfection values despite continuous and active viral replication during the chronic infection. The dynamics of SIVmnd-2 infection in mandrills showed a pattern similar to that of SIVmnd-1 infection. This might be a general feature of nonpathogenic SIV natural African NHP models.

  • two distinct stlv 1 subtypes infecting Mandrillus sphinx follow the geographic distribution of their hosts
    AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 2004
    Co-Authors: Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Stephen L Clifford, Paul Telfer, Bettina Salle, Olivier Bourry, Richard Onanga, Augustin Mouingaondeme, E J Wickings, Katharine Abernethy
    Abstract:

    The mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) has been shown to be infected with an STLV-1 closely related to HTLV-1. Two distinct STLV-1 subtypes (D and F) infect wild mandrills with high overall prevalence (27.0%) but are different with respect to their phylogenetic relationship and parallel to the mandrills' geographic range. The clustering of these new STLV-1mnd sequences with HTLV-1 subtype D and F suggests first, past simian-tohuman transmissions in Central Africa and second, that species barriers are easier to cross over than geographic barriers.

  • molecular evidence for deep phylogenetic divergence in Mandrillus sphinx
    Molecular Ecology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Paul Telfer, Sandrine Souquiere, Stephen L Clifford, Katharine Abernethy, Michael William Bruford, Todd R Disotell, Kirstin N Sterner, P Roques, Preston A Marx, E J Wickings
    Abstract:

    Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are forest primates indigenous to western central Africa. Phylogenetic analysis of 267 base pairs (bp) of the cytochrome b gene from 53 mandrills of known and 17 of unknown provenance revealed two phylogeographical groups, with haplotypes differentiated by 2.6% comprising seven synonymous transitions. The distribution of the haplotypes suggests that the Ogooue River, Gabon, which bisects their range, separates mandrill populations in Cameroon and northern Gabon from those in southern Gabon. The haplotype distribution is also concordant with that of two known mandrill simian immunodeficiency viruses, suggesting that these two mandrill phylogroups have followed different evolutionary trajectories since separation.

Maria Makuwa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • immunological alterations and associated diseases in mandrills Mandrillus sphinx naturally co infected with siv and stlv
    Virology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Sandrine Souquiere, Maria Makuwa, Bettina Salle, Yves Lepelletier, Franck Mortreux, Olivier Hermine, Mirdad Kazanji
    Abstract:

    Abstract Mandrills are naturally infected with simian T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)mnd. In humans, dual infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may worsen their clinical outcome. We evaluated the effect of co-infection in mandrills on viral burden, changes in T-cell subsets and clinical outcome. The SIV viral load was higher in SIV-infected mandrills than in co-infected animals, whereas the STLV-1 proviral load was higher in co-infected than in mono-infected groups. Dually infected mandrills had a statistically significantly lower CD4+ T-cell count, a lower proportion of naive CD8+ T cells and a higher proportion of central memory cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from SIV-infected animals had a lower percentage of Ki67 than those from the other groups. Co-infected monkeys had higher percentages of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Two co-infected mandrills with high immune activation and clonal integration of STLV provirus showed pathological manifestations (infective dermatitis and generalised scabies) rarely encountered in nonhuman primates.

  • immunovirological analyses of chronically simian immunodeficiency virus sivmnd 1 and sivmnd 2 infected mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Journal of Virology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Cristian Apetrei, Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Patricia Reed, Ivona Pandrea, Beth Sumpter, Ann Chahroudi, Ruy M Ribeiro, Pierre Roques
    Abstract:

    Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in African nonhuman primate (NHP) natural hosts is usually nonpathogenic, despite high levels of virus replication. We have previously shown that chronic SIV infection in sooty mangabeys (SMs) and African green monkeys (AGMs) is associated with low levels of immune activation and bystander T cell apoptosis. To compare these features with those observed in another natural host, the mandrill (MND), we conducted a cross-sectional survey of the 23 SIV-infected and 25 uninfected MNDs from the only semifree colony of mandrills available worldwide. Viral loads (VLs) were determined and phenotypic and functional analysis of peripheral blood- and lymph node-derived lymphocytes was performed. We found that mandrills chronically infected with SIVmnd-1 or SIVmnd-2 have similar levels of viral replication, and we observed a trend toward lower CD4+ T cell counts in chronically SIVmnd-2-infected MNDs than SIVmnd-1-infected MNDs. No correlation between CD4+ T cell counts and VLs in SIV-infected MNDs could be established. Of note, the levels of T cell activation, proliferation, and apoptosis were comparable between SIVmnd-1- and SIVmnd-2-infected MNDs and to those observed in uninfected animals, with the only exception being an increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha-producing CD8+ T cells in SIVmnd-2-infected MNDs. Overall, these findings recapitulate previous observations in SIV-infected SMs and AGMs and lend further evidence to the hypothesis that low levels of immune activation protect natural SIV hosts from disease progression.

  • two distinct variants of simian foamy virus in naturally infected mandrills Mandrillus sphinx and cross species transmission to humans
    Retrovirology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Augustin Mouingaondeme, Maria Makuwa, Paul Telfer, Bettina Salle, Preston A Marx, Edouard Betsem, Melanie Caron, Noemie Renault, Ali Saib, Antoine Gessain
    Abstract:

    Background: Each of the pathogenic human retroviruses (HIV-1/2 and HTLV-1) has a nonhuman primate counterpart, and the presence of these retroviruses in humans results from interspecies transmission. The passage of another simian retrovirus, simian foamy virus (SFV), from apes or monkeys to humans has been reported. Mandrillus sphinx, a monkey species living in central Africa, is naturally infected with SFV. We evaluated the natural history of the virus in a free-ranging colony of mandrills and investigated possible transmission of mandrill SFV to humans. Results: We studied 84 semi-free-ranging captive mandrills at the Primate Centre of the Centre International de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (Gabon) and 15 wild mandrills caught in various areas of the country. The presence of SFV was also evaluated in 20 people who worked closely with mandrills and other nonhuman primates. SFV infection was determined by specific serological (Western blot) and molecular (nested PCR of the integrase region in the polymerase gene) assays. Seropositivity for SFV was found in 70/84 (83%) captive and 9/15 (60%) wild-caught mandrills and in 2/20 (10%) humans. The 425-bp SFV integrase fragment was detected in peripheral blood DNA from 53 captive and 8 wild-caught mandrills and in two personnel. Sequence and phylogenetic studies demonstrated the presence of two distinct strains of mandrill SFV, one clade including SFVs from mandrills living in the northern part of Gabon and the second consisting of SFV from animals living in the south. One man who had been bitten 10 years earlier by a mandrill and another bitten 22 years earlier by a macaque were found to be SFV infected, both at the Primate Centre. The second man had a sequence close to SFVmac sequences. Comparative sequence analysis of the virus from the first man and from the mandrill showed nearly identical sequences, indicating genetic stability of SFV over time. Conclusion: Our results show a high prevalence of SFV infection in a semi-free-ranging colony of mandrills, with the presence of two different strains. We also showed transmission of SFV from a mandrill and a macaque to humans.

  • primary simian immunodeficiency virus sivmnd 2 infection in mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Journal of Virology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Richard Onanga, Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Augustin Mouingaondeme, Cristian Apetrei, Francois Simon, Pierre Roques
    Abstract:

    Mandrills are the only nonhuman primate (NHP) naturally infected by two types of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV): SIVmnd-1 and SIVmnd-2. We have already reported that the high SIVmnd-1 replication during primary infection contrasts with only transient changes in CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. Since early virus-host interactions predict viral control and disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, we investigated the dynamics of SIVmnd-2 primary infection in mandrills to examine the impact on immune effectors in blood and lymph nodes (LNs). To avoid in vitro strain selection, all mandrills in this study received plasma from SIVmnd-2-infected mandrills. SIVmnd-2 plasma viremia peaked at 107 to 108 RNA copies/ml between days 7 and 10. This peak was followed in all four monkeys by a decline in virus replication, with a set point level of 105 to 106 RNA copies/ml at day 42 postinfection (p.i.). Viral DNA load in PBMC and LNs also peaked between days 7 and 10 (105 to 106 DNA copies/106 cells) and stabilized at 103 to 104 DNA copies/106 cells during the chronic phase. Anti-SIVmnd-2 antibodies were detected starting from days 28 to 32. A transitory decline of CD3+ CD4+ cells in the LNs occurred in animals with high peak VLs. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation in blood and LNs was noted between days 5 and 17 p.i., surrounding the peak of viral replication. This was most significant in the LNs. Activation markers then returned to preinfection values despite continuous and active viral replication during the chronic infection. The dynamics of SIVmnd-2 infection in mandrills showed a pattern similar to that of SIVmnd-1 infection. This might be a general feature of nonpathogenic SIV natural African NHP models.

  • two distinct stlv 1 subtypes infecting Mandrillus sphinx follow the geographic distribution of their hosts
    AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 2004
    Co-Authors: Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Stephen L Clifford, Paul Telfer, Bettina Salle, Olivier Bourry, Richard Onanga, Augustin Mouingaondeme, E J Wickings, Katharine Abernethy
    Abstract:

    The mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) has been shown to be infected with an STLV-1 closely related to HTLV-1. Two distinct STLV-1 subtypes (D and F) infect wild mandrills with high overall prevalence (27.0%) but are different with respect to their phylogenetic relationship and parallel to the mandrills' geographic range. The clustering of these new STLV-1mnd sequences with HTLV-1 subtype D and F suggests first, past simian-tohuman transmissions in Central Africa and second, that species barriers are easier to cross over than geographic barriers.

Richard Onanga - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • primary simian immunodeficiency virus sivmnd 2 infection in mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Journal of Virology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Richard Onanga, Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Augustin Mouingaondeme, Cristian Apetrei, Francois Simon, Pierre Roques
    Abstract:

    Mandrills are the only nonhuman primate (NHP) naturally infected by two types of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV): SIVmnd-1 and SIVmnd-2. We have already reported that the high SIVmnd-1 replication during primary infection contrasts with only transient changes in CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. Since early virus-host interactions predict viral control and disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, we investigated the dynamics of SIVmnd-2 primary infection in mandrills to examine the impact on immune effectors in blood and lymph nodes (LNs). To avoid in vitro strain selection, all mandrills in this study received plasma from SIVmnd-2-infected mandrills. SIVmnd-2 plasma viremia peaked at 107 to 108 RNA copies/ml between days 7 and 10. This peak was followed in all four monkeys by a decline in virus replication, with a set point level of 105 to 106 RNA copies/ml at day 42 postinfection (p.i.). Viral DNA load in PBMC and LNs also peaked between days 7 and 10 (105 to 106 DNA copies/106 cells) and stabilized at 103 to 104 DNA copies/106 cells during the chronic phase. Anti-SIVmnd-2 antibodies were detected starting from days 28 to 32. A transitory decline of CD3+ CD4+ cells in the LNs occurred in animals with high peak VLs. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation in blood and LNs was noted between days 5 and 17 p.i., surrounding the peak of viral replication. This was most significant in the LNs. Activation markers then returned to preinfection values despite continuous and active viral replication during the chronic infection. The dynamics of SIVmnd-2 infection in mandrills showed a pattern similar to that of SIVmnd-1 infection. This might be a general feature of nonpathogenic SIV natural African NHP models.

  • two distinct stlv 1 subtypes infecting Mandrillus sphinx follow the geographic distribution of their hosts
    AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 2004
    Co-Authors: Maria Makuwa, Sandrine Souquiere, Stephen L Clifford, Paul Telfer, Bettina Salle, Olivier Bourry, Richard Onanga, Augustin Mouingaondeme, E J Wickings, Katharine Abernethy
    Abstract:

    The mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) has been shown to be infected with an STLV-1 closely related to HTLV-1. Two distinct STLV-1 subtypes (D and F) infect wild mandrills with high overall prevalence (27.0%) but are different with respect to their phylogenetic relationship and parallel to the mandrills' geographic range. The clustering of these new STLV-1mnd sequences with HTLV-1 subtype D and F suggests first, past simian-tohuman transmissions in Central Africa and second, that species barriers are easier to cross over than geographic barriers.

  • high levels of sivmnd 1 replication in chronically infected Mandrillus sphinx
    Virology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Ivona Pandrea, Stephen L Clifford, Paul Telfer, Olivier Bourry, Richard Onanga, Katharine Abernethy, Christopher Kornfeld, Pierre Rouquet, L White, Paul Ngari
    Abstract:

    Abstract Viral loads were investigated in SIVmnd-1 chronically infected mandrills and the results were compared with those previously observed in other nonpathogenic natural SIV infections. Four naturally and 11 experimentally SIVmnd-1-infected mandrills from a semi-free-ranging colony were studied during the chronic phase of infection. Four SIVmnd-1-infected wild mandrills were also included for comparison. Twelve uninfected mandrills were used as controls. Viral loads in all chronically infected mandrills ranged from 10 5 to 9 × 10 5 copies/ml and antibody titers ranged from 200 to 14,400 and 200 to 12,800 for anti-V3 and anti-gp36, respectively. There were no differences between groups of wild and captive mandrills. Both parameters were stable during the follow-up, and no clinical signs of immune suppression were observed. Chronic SIVmnd-1-infected mandrills presented slight increases in CD20 + and CD28 + /CD8 + cell counts, and a slight decrease in CD4 + /CD3 + cell counts. A slight CD4 + /CD3 + cell depletion was also observed in old uninfected controls. Similar to other nonpathogenic models of lentiviral infection, these results show a persistent high level of SIVmnd-1 replication during chronic infection of mandrills, with minimal effects on T cell subpopulations.

  • high levels of viral replication contrast with only transient changes in cd4 and cd8 cell numbers during the early phase of experimental infection with simian immunodeficiency virus sivmnd 1 in Mandrillus sphinx
    Journal of Virology, 2002
    Co-Authors: Richard Onanga, Sandrine Souquiere, Olivier Bourry, Christopher Kornfeld, Pierre Rouquet, Ivona Pandrea, Jerome Estaquier, Virginie Poaty Mavoungou, Souleymane Mboup, Francoise Barresinoussi
    Abstract:

    African nonhuman primates are natural hosts for simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs). To date, SIV infections have been detected in 20 distinct species (24). SIVs were shown to cluster in six major, approximately equidistant lineages (17, 53). Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-2 belong to two of these clusters and emerged most likely following zoonotic transmissions of, respectively, SIVcpz from chimpanzees and SIVsm from sooty mangabeys (14, 16, 21). The remaining clusters are formed by SIVs isolated from African green monkeys (AGMs), Syke's monkeys, l'hoest monkeys, and colobus monkeys (4, 17, 20, 27, 39, 60). The phylogeny of many SIVs resembles that of their host species, suggesting a coevolution (1, 21, 39). In contrast to these, some viruses (SIVrcm, SIVagm.sab, SIVmnd-2, and SIVdrl) cluster in different lineages according to the genomic region analyzed (15, 22, 31, 55). These viruses most likely result from recombination events in monkeys dually infected by SIVs of two distinct lineages (15, 22, 31, 55). Such dual infections suppose the existence of cross-species transmissions of SIV in nature. It has indeed been shown that wild patas monkeys and baboons can acquire SIVagm (7, 32, 61). It remains unclear if these two latter species are infected with species-specific SIVs (54). This was also questioned for mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx). The first SIVmnd strain (GB1), now defined as SIVmnd-1, was isolated 13 years ago from a wild-born mandrill (59). This virus was the only representative of the SIVmnd lineage until two Cercopithecinae viruses, from l'hoest (Cercopithecus l'hoesti l'hoesti) and sun-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus l'hoesti solatus) were shown to cluster in the same lineage as SIVmnd GB1 (4, 29). As the genome of SIVmnd GB1 had the organization of Cercopithecus SIVs and not that of Papionini SIVs, and because the habitat of mandrills and sun-tailed monkeys overlaps in Gabon, it was suggested that SIVmnd GB1 represents a virus cross-transmitted from sun-tailed monkeys to mandrills, and the lineage was renamed the l'hoest lineage (4, 5). It was subsequently demonstrated that SIVmnd GB1-related viruses are commonly present in wild adult mandrills, indicating that the virus is capable, at least today, of efficiently spreading between animals of this species (55). Mandrills infected with SIVmnd-1 are separated by the Ogooue River from mandrills infected with SIVmnd type 2 (55). This latter virus has a genomic organization distinct from those of SIVmnd GB1 and SIVlhoest and identical to that of SIVs of other Papio monkeys, such as SIVsm and SIVdrl (15, 55). It is unknown why SIV infections are generally nonpathogenic in African nonhuman primates. SIVmnd-2 infections in mandrills have not been associated with signs of AIDS. SIVmnd-1 infection, which apparently results from SIV transmission from C. l'hoesti to mandrills, is also considered to be asymptomatic, although a possible exception has been reported (44). SIVlhoest, which is genetically close to SIVmnd-1 and is also associated with asymptomatic infection in its natural host, appears to induce AIDS in macaques (29). In both HIV-1-infected humans and SIVmac-infected macaques, it was shown that early virus-host interactions are predictive of the outcome of infection. Predictive markers are in particular gag-specific T-helper responses and viral load levels in the post-acute phase of infection (36, 50). In macaques, the steady-state level of plasma viremia 5 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus is an excellent predictor of the subsequent disease course (28, 35, 42, 63). RNA levels in plasma measured early in HIV-1 infection are also highly predictive of subsequent rates of disease progression (36, 37, 43). However, although this observation is broadly acknowledged and used as the main indication for treating HIV-1-infected patients early in the course of the disease (10), little is still known about the driving mechanism(s) directing this phenomenon. Studies of the early events during nonpathogenic infections in natural host species can help to elucidate such mechanisms. So far, studies during the early phase of infection in African nonhuman primates are limited (58). Studies in SIVagm.sab92018-infected AGMs have revealed for the first time an extensive replication during the acute and post-acute phases (18). Many naturally infected AGMs analyzed during the chronic phase also show continuously high levels of viral RNA in plasma (9, 23). Moreover, virus load in the blood and lymph nodes (LN) of mangabeys during chronic infection is at levels equivalent to that in macaques and humans progressing to AIDS, despite the lack of clinical signs of AIDS (49). The absence of AIDS in these monkeys therefore seems to be paradoxical in the presence of such a high viral load. However, it is not clear whether the high viral replication observed is a general feature of nonpathogenic infections in natural host species (3, 23). Moreover, the precise dynamics of CD4+ and CD8+ cells during primary infection have not been reported so far. Our primary objective for the present study was to investigate the acute and post-acute phases of SIVmnd-1 infection in mandrills. SIVmnd-1 is thought to represent the result of an ancient cross-species transmission in the wild (4, 6), and we investigated whether it would represent an intermediate model between the pathogenic and nonpathogenic models of lentiviral infections. We analyzed viral dynamics and corroborated the virological study with the analyses of CD4+- and CD8+-T-cell changes over time in the blood and LN.

  • wild Mandrillus sphinx are carriers of two types of lentivirus
    Journal of Virology, 2001
    Co-Authors: Sandrine Souquiere, Maria Makuwa, Richard Onanga, Katharine Abernethy, F Bibolletruche, David L Robertson, Cristian Apetrei, Christopher Kornfeld, Jeanchristophe Plantier, Lee J. T. White
    Abstract:

    Mandrillus sphinx, a large primate living in Cameroon and Gabon and belonging to the Papionini tribe, was reported to be infected by a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) (SIVmndGB1) as early as 1988. Here, we have identified a second, highly divergent SIVmnd (designated SIVmnd-2). Genomic organization differs between the two viral types; SIVmnd-2 has the additional vpx gene, like other SIVs naturally infecting the Papionini tribe (SIVsm and SIVrcm) and in contrast to the other SIVmnd type (here designated SIVmnd-1), which is more closely related to SIVs infecting l'hoest (Cercopithecus lhoesti lhoesti) and sun-tailed (Cercopithecus lhoesti solatus) monkeys. Importantly, our epidemiological studies indicate a high prevalence of both types of SIVmnd; all 10 sexually mature wild-living monkeys and 3 out of 17 wild-born juveniles tested were infected. The geographic distribution of SIVmnd seems to be distinct for the two types: SIVmnd-1 viruses were exclusively identified in mandrills from central and southern Gabon, whereas SIVmnd-2 viruses were identified in monkeys from northern and western Gabon, as well as in Cameroon. SIVmnd-2 full-length sequence analysis, together with analysis of partial sequences from SIVmnd-1 and SIVmnd-2 from wild-born or wild-living mandrills, shows that the gag and pol regions of SIVmnd-2 are closest to those of SIVrcm, isolated from red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus), while the env gene is closest to that of SIVmnd-1. pol and env sequence analyses of SIV from a related Papionini species, the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus), shows a closer relationship of SIVdrl to SIVmnd-2 than to SIVmnd-1. Epidemiological surveys of human immunodeficiency virus revealed a case in Cameroon of a human infected by a virus serologically related to SIVmnd, raising the possibility that mandrills represent a viral reservoir for humans similar to sooty mangabeys in Western Africa and chimpanzees in Central Africa.

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  • factors affecting fecal glucocorticoid levels in semi free ranging female mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    American Journal of Primatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Joanna M Setchell, Jean E Wickings, Tessa E Smith, Leslie A. Knapp
    Abstract:

    Subordinate female cercopithecine primates often experience decreased reproductive success in comparison with high-ranking females, with a later age at sexual maturity and first reproduction and/or longer interbirth intervals. One explanation that has traditionally been advanced to explain this is high levels of chronic social stress in subordinates, resulting from agonistic and aggressive interactions and leading to higher basal levels of glucocorticoids. We assessed the relationships among fecal cortisol levels and reproductive condition, dominance rank, degree of social support, and fertility in female mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) living in a semi-free-ranging colony in Franceville, Gabon. Lower-ranking females in this colony have a reproductive disadvantage relative to higher-ranking females, and we were interested in determining whether this relationship between dominance rank and reproductive success is mediated through stress hormones. We analyzed 340 fecal samples from 19 females, collected over a 14-month period. We found that pregnant females experienced higher fecal cortisol levels than cycling or lactating females. This is similar to results for other primate species and is likely owing to increased metabolic demands and interactions between the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, estrogen, and placental production of corticotrophin releasing hormones during pregnancy. There was no influence of dominance rank on fecal cortisol levels, suggesting that subordinate females do not suffer chronic stress. This may be because female mandrills have a stable social hierarchy, with low levels of aggression and high social support. However, we found no relationship between matriline size, as a measure of social support, and fecal cortisol levels. Subordinates may be able to avoid aggression from dominants in the large enclosure or may react only transiently to specific aggressive events, rather than continuously expecting them. Finally, we found no relationship between fecal cortisol levels and fertility. There was no difference in fecal cortisol levels between conceptive and nonconceptive cycles, and no significant relationship between fecal cortisol level and either the length of postpartum amenorrhea or the number of cycles before conception. This suggests that the influence of dominance rank on female reproductive success in this population is not mediated through chronic stress in subordinate females, and that alternative explanations of the relationship between social rank and reproduction should be sought. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1023–1032, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  • canine tooth size and fitness in male mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Journal of Human Evolution, 2008
    Co-Authors: Steven R Leigh, Leslie A. Knapp, Marie J E Charpentier, Joanna M Setchell, Jean E Wickings
    Abstract:

    Abstract Sexual selection theory explains the evolution of exaggerated male morphologies and weaponry, but the fitness consequences of developmental and age-related changes in these features remain poorly understood. This long-term study of mandrill monkeys (Mandrillus sphinx) demonstrates how age-related changes in canine tooth weaponry and adult canine size correlate closely with male lifetime reproductive success. Combining long-term demographic and morphometric data reveals that male fitness covaries simply and directly with canine ontogeny, adult maximum size, and wear. However, fitness is largely independent of other somatometrics. Male mandrills sire offspring almost exclusively when their canines exceed approximately 30 mm, or two-thirds of average adult value (45 mm). Moreover, sires have larger canines than nonsires. The tooth diminishes through wear as animals age, corresponding with, and perhaps influencing, reproductive senescence. These factors combine to constrain male reproductive opportunities to a brief timespan, defined by the period of maximum canine length. Sexually-selected weaponry, especially when it is nonrenewable like the primate canine tooth, is intimately tied to the male life course. Our analyses of this extremely dimorphic species indicate that sexual selection is closely intertwined with growth, development, and aging, pointing to new directions for sexual selection theory. Moreover, the primate canine tooth has potential as a simple mammalian system for testing genetically-based models of aging. Finally, the tooth may record details of life histories in fossil primates, especially when sexual selection has played a role in the evolution of dimorphism.

  • learning from the first release project of captive bred mandrills Mandrillus sphinx in gabon
    Oryx, 2008
    Co-Authors: Patricia Peignot, Olivier Bourry, Marie J E Charpentier, Nicolas Bout, Ulrich Massima, Olivier Dosimont, Roxanne Terramorsi, Jean E Wickings
    Abstract:

    Patricia Peignot*, Marie J.E. Charpentier*, Nicolas Bout, Olivier Bourry, Ulrich Massima, Olivier Dosimont,Roxanne Terramorsi and E. Jean WickingsAbstract We report the results of the first release pro-ject of 36 captive-bred mandrills into the Le ´kedi Park,Gabon. A mortality rate of 33% was recorded in the firstyear post-release, with dependent infants the mostaffected age class, as a result of environmental stressand malnutrition. A programme of provisioning en-sured that individuals remained in a good physicalcondition. During the second year the death rate de-creased to 4%, and 6-month survival rate of infantswas 100%. Over time the mandrills extended theirspatial use of the park, although their explorationremained limited. Our results demonstrate that pro-visioning and the lack of knowledge of ecologicalcharacteristicsofthenew,complexseasonalhabitatwerethe likely causes of this situation. After 2 years, re-production and survival appear stable. While habitatpreservation and in situ species protection are the bestconservation options, release projects may constitutea viable short-term solution for particular species. Inthis context, this first release of captive-bred mandrillscould play a role in the future conservation of thisVulnerable species.Keywords Gabon, Le´ke´di Park, Mandrillus sphinx,post-release monitoring, provisioning, rehabilitation,spatial use.IntroductionThe role of translocation and reintroduction pro-grammes in the conservation of endangered specieshas been widely discussed, with particular focus onethical implications, ecological, disease and geneticimpacts on local natural populations, and the long-term monitoring and survival of introduced popula-tions (Wolf et al., 1998; Fischer & Lindenmayer, 2000;Linklater, 2003; Tuberville et al., 2005). The future ofseveral species has been heavily dependent on thereintroduction of captive-bred individuals (Snyder S Stanley-Price, 1989; Moore & Smith, 1991;Csermely & Corona, 1994).Primates are one of the most threatened orders ofmammals (IUCN, 1996) and many species, threatened intheir natural habitat, have been the focus of transloca-tion and reintroduction projects to augment their chan-ces of survival (Horwich et al., 1993; Struhsaker & Siex,1998; Kleiman & Rylands, 2002). To date the long-termsuccess of such programmes has been difficult to assess(Yeager, 1997; Kessel & Brent, 2001; Beck et al., 2002). Thecase of primates is problematic because each speciespresents different and complex socioecological chal-lenges based on social organization and feeding andhabitat preferences (Goodall, 1968; Yeager, 1997).Primates bred in captivity in habitat countries couldhave advantages over ex situ programmes for thereintroduction of threatened species (Snyder et al.,1996) because such programmes present more economicalternatives. The Centre International de RecherchesMe´dicales de Franceville (CIRMF) in Gabon establisheda semi-captive ranging breeding colony of Mandrillussphinx for non-invasive biomedical research in the early1980s. The initial group of 15 founders (bushmeat orphansaged 1-8 years) had reached .100 individuals by 2002,resulting in overcrowding and habitat degradation. Theinstigation of contraceptive measures will limit futurebreeding but cannot alleviate current conditions. Hence,alternative measures to reduce numbers were sought.

  • parasite prevalence abundance and diversity in a semi free ranging colony of Mandrillus sphinx
    International Journal of Primatology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Joanna M Setchell, Jean E Wickings, Issaben Bedjabaga, Benoit Goossens, Patricia Reed, Leslie A. Knapp
    Abstract:

    We examined parasite prevalence, abundance of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs in the feces, and number of parasitic taxa in a population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) in semi-free-ranging conditions in their habitat range, with respect to the annual cycle, sex, age, dominance rank, and female reproductive status. We identified 3 taxa of amebic protozoa (Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica/dispar complex, and Endolimax nana), 1 ciliate protozoa (Balantidium coli), and various nematodes. Prevalence ranged from 1 observation in 874 samples for Trichuris and Mammomonogamus (nematodes) to 100% for Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nana. Daily observation, consistency of fecal samples, and periodic veterinary examination indicated that the mandrills were all healthy, suggesting that the presence of intestinal parasites in the provisioned population is well tolerated. Parasite prevalence, abundance in the feces, and number of taxa varied significantly across the annual cycle. Nematode egg prevalence and abundance were lowest during the dry season. We found no sexual difference and no influence of female dominance rank on parasitic infections. Nematode prevalence increased significantly with age in females, but not in males. There was no influence of age on prevalence of other taxa, abundance in the feces, or number of taxa. Abundance of nematode eggs in the feces was higher in pregnant than in lactating or cycling females. However, births are seasonal in the mandrill colony, and pregnant females were present during the months when nematode egg abundance was also higher in males, suggesting that this may be an influence of climatic seasonality in addition to, or instead of, female status.

  • kin discrimination in juvenile mandrills Mandrillus sphinx
    Animal Behaviour, 2007
    Co-Authors: Marie J E Charpentier, Patricia Peignot, Martine Hossaertmckey, Jean E Wickings
    Abstract:

    Kin selection theory predicts that the evolution of social behaviours will be promoted if these behaviours increase the inclusive fitness of the individuals that perform them, for example by positively affecting relatives. The ability to identify relatives may thus be crucial in maximizing overall fitness. In primate species, whether individuals discriminate paternal relatives and the mechanisms that might permit such discrimination are still the subject of debate. Some researchers have suggested that primates are not able to discriminate relatives in the absence of familiarity. However, recent studies have shown that paternal kin discrimination could emerge from both age proximity and phenotype matching. We investigated the effects of paternal and maternal kinship on the affiliation index of juvenile mandrills, in a semifree-ranging setting. Juveniles biased their behaviour according to kinship. First, when interacting with adult females, both paternal and maternal half-siblings showed more affiliation than unrelated dyads. Affiliation between juveniles and males was also higher among both father–offspring and maternal half-sibling dyads than among unrelated dyads. While these results suggest that juvenile mandrills are able to discriminate paternal relatives, other results do not. Maternal half-siblings had a higher affiliation index than paternal half-siblings and distant kin, the latter showing no significant differences. Finally, when the mechanisms involved in discrimination of paternal kin were analysed, we found no evidence to confirm either the phenotype-matching or the age proximity hypotheses.