Noma in a nonhuman primate.

A lesion in Macaca cyclopis which appears to conform to defined characteristics of noma in human beings has been reported. Clinical features in common include the gangrenous appearance of the lesion, the association with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and the massive destruction of soft tissue and bone in the oronasofacial regions. Systemic features in common include debilitation of the host, leukocytosis, and depression of cellular immunologic responses. Microbiologic studies revealed the presence of organisms commonly found in necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. The detection of true noma in nonhuman primates may now allow the opportunity for study of the etiology, pathophysiology, and therapy of this condition for human benefit.