Glomerulonephritis in the Owl Monkey (Aotus Trivirgatus)

Glomerular disease was observed in 45 of 57 owl monkeys (Aotus trivirgatus). The disease was minimal in eight of the affected animals and moderate to extensive with respect to severity of the lesions and the number of glomeruli involved in the remainder. The lesions were characterized by proliferation and hypertrophy of mesangial and epithelial cells, increase in mesangial matrix, thickening of basement membranes, and sclerosis. Immunofluorescent staining suggested that the disease was an immune complex glomerulonephritis.