Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research

Abstract

Nonhuman primates (NHP) are phylogenetically closer to humans and hence considered an ultimate animal model for various diseases in biomedical research. NHPs are often used in concurrence with other animal models. The data obtained from NHPs are used to validate any new molecule or vaccine before progressing to human clinical trials. The cost of maintenance and stringent ethical issues constrain researchers from using this animal model. Among the nonhuman primates, rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the most commonly used species. Considering the importance of NHP in the preclinical trial for various biomedical studies, this chapter discusses care, management, breeding, common infectious, and zoonotically important diseases of nonhuman primates with particular emphasis on rhesus macaque.