title: Spondyloarthropathy as an Old World phenomenon.
abstract: The presence of spine and sacroiliac involvement and the nature and distribution of erosive lesions allowed definitive diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy in the great apes (Gorilla and Pan [chimpanzee]), the lesser ape (Hylobates), and Old World monkeys (Theropithecus, Papio, Cercopithecus, Macaca, Colobus, Presbytis, and Erythrocebus). Analysis of lesional character, distribution, radiological appearance, and sex ratios showed a picture indistinguishable from human spondyloarthropathy. This contrasts with orangutans (Pongo), who lack reactive bone or sacroiliac involvement. A different pathophysiology, as yet undefined, is implied for their erosive arthritis. Limited individual susceptibility to spondyloarthropathy in humans (1% to 4%), Old World monkeys (2.4%), and lesser apes (2.4%) contrasts with the high frequency of disease in the great apes (20% to 28%). The wide geographic distribution of this phenomenon suggests an African and perhaps Asian "panendemic." This natural disease state provides a unique model for in-depth analysis of the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to disease pathophysiology.
authors.affiliation: Arthritis Center of Northeast Ohio, Youngstown 44512.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Rothschild
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Woods
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002520:Cercopithecidae; D002521:Cercopithecus; D003104:Colobus; D005260:Female; D006071:Gorilla gorilla; D006922:Hylobates; D015994:Incidence; D008251:Macaca; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio; D011148:Pongo pygmaeus; D012744:Sex Ratio; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology