Survey of amyloidosis cases among different free-living wild and zoo animals

Abstract

Amyloidosis comprises a range of protein-folding disorders characterised by a buildup of amyloid deposits in one or multiple organs. The pathogenesis and pathologic findings of amyloidosis can vary widely due to the nature of the precursor protein. In veterinary medicine, there are 10 proteins known to form amyloid deposits in various organs. This review aims to compare amyloidosis cases among different free-living wild and zoo animals focussing in part on the determination of the species particularly susceptible to the amyloid formation and specific prone-to-aggregate protein commonly involved. This review addresses the transmission of AA amyloidosis pertinent to institutions, such as zoos, housing multiple individuals and species in relatively close proximity. In addition, this review includes summarisation for definitive diagnosis of single or multiple cases of amyloidosis affecting free-living wild and zoo animals. Insights into the diversity, transmission, and pathogenesis of known amyloidogenic proteins and species prevalently affected may help to establish a preventive intervention and stimulate the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:

• Amyloid
• protein misfolding
• serum amyloid A
• wildlife
• zoology

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the Michigan State University Summer Scholars Program and American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP).

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

HBP and HKH were supported by the National Institutes of Health under Grant T35 [number OD016477] and AAH was supported by the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP) Summer Research Opportunity Program in Pathology (SROPP).