Dermatology in non-human primates: a comprehensive review

Abstract

There have been limited studies conducted on the anatomy, physiology, and histology of the skin of non-human primates (NHPs). The majority of this research was done by William Montagna and his colleagues in the 1960s and 1970s. Understanding the skin characteristics of NHPs is important for comprehending their biology and behavior, as well as for conducting complementary dermatological examinations and various experiments. This knowledge is particularly important in the diagnosis of specific zoonoses. However, veterinary dermatology for NHPs faces a challenge in obtaining information from both human and veterinary dermatology disciplines, which can lead to diagnostic and therapeutic decisions based on two distinct bodies of literature. Therefore, an integrated approach to dermatology in NHPs is critical, without assuming that the pathology in NHPs is identical to that in humans. This review article aims to highlight the key scientific studies related to the skin of NHPs, with the goal of expanding knowledge about their dermatological characteristics. It also seeks to provide valuable insights for researchers in the field, contributing to a better understanding of dermatology in non-human primates.