To establish and evaluate the Chinese rhesus model of tuberculosis.

Twelve Chinese rhesus macaques, randomly divided into 3 groups, were inoculated with 2 different doses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇Rv strain via both bronchoscopic and intratracheal instillation into the lungs. Clinical observation and laboratory examinations were performed, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, tuberculin skin test and X-ray examination. Histopathological assessments were performed in the 24th week postinfection. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA in the 3 groups.

After infection all the animals manifested fever, weight lose, lack of appetite, coughing and other symptoms of tuberculosis. The temperature gradually increased and reached a peak [(40.1±0.2) ℃] at the 8th week postinfection. The weight decreased significantly at 24th week postinfection (-5.5±5.6) %. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate elevated significantly at the 6th to 8th week postinfection (36±40) mm/1 h. C-reactive protein was significantly increased at the 6th to 24th week after infection (75.8±49.8) mg/L. The positive rate of tuberculin skin test was 100%. In Group Ⅰ(bronchoscopic instillation, 20 CFU) the disease developed slowly, and the main manifestation of chest X-ray was patchy shadows. In group Ⅱ (bronchoscopic instillation, 100 CFU) and group Ⅲ (intratracheal instillation, 100 CFU) the disease developed rapidly, and the main manifestation of chest X-ray was patchy and nodular lesions during the 4th to the 12th week postinfection, but became large patchy and consolidation lesions during the 12th to the 24th week postinfection. Tuberculosis granuloma and caseous necrosis, similar to the pathological changes of human tuberculosis, were found in the lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, kidney and spleen. The results of acid-fast stain were positive. The most serious pathological manifestations were observed in group Ⅱ, followed by group Ⅲ and group Ⅰ. The highest bacterial load of the right lung was seen in group Ⅱ, followed by group Ⅰ and group Ⅲ.

A chinese rhesus model of tuberculosis was successfully developed via both bronchoscopic and intratracheal instillation. Their clinical manifestations, disease progression and pathological changes were similar to human primary tuberculosis and hematogenous disseminated tuberculosis.

Macaca mulatta; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Models, animal