Possible Causes and Treatments, Particularly in Captive Nonhuman

Comparative Medicine Vol 59, No 3 Copyright 2009 June 2009 by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Page 219 3. Merriam-Webster Visual Dictionary Online. [Internet]. Insects and arachnids [cited 29 April 2009]. Available at http://visual.merriam- Letters to the Editor webster.com/animal-kingdom/insects-arachnids.php 4. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Animal Diversity Web. [Internet]. Phylum Arthropoda: crustaceans, insects, spiders, Alopecia: Possible Causes and Treatments, Particu- and relatives [cited 29 April 2009]. Available at http://animaldiver- sity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/classification/Arthropoda. larly in Captive Nonhuman Primates html#Arthropoda. Dear Editor, In the February 2009 issue, the overview article by Novak and Meyer1 presented differential diagnosis and possible therapeutic Response to Dr. Chu’s Letter to the Editor: and management approaches to alopecia in captive nonhuman This is our oversight. When we first wrote this section, it in- primates (NHP). One differential provided for parasitic infec- cluded both insects (fleas and lice) and arachnids. There simply tions was sarcoptic mange mites, which the authors referred to was not enough scientific data relating to lice and flea infestation as insects. Although certain insects, such as lice, do parasitize as possible causes of alopecia in nonhuman primates. When we NHP,2 the correct terminology that makes reference to mites is shortened this section to focus primarily on mange mites prior to arachnids, not insects.3 Arachnids are generally characterized submission, we failed to make relevant changes in the terminology. by 2 body parts and 8 appendages attached to the cephalotho- rax while insects are generally characterized by 3 body parts and Sincerely, 6 appendages attached to the thorax. Both of these arthropods Melinda Novak, PhD are classified under phylum Arthropoda, which is divided into Professor and Chair of Psychology Department, member of the Neuro- several subphylums,4 with insects grouped under subphylum science and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Hexopoda and arachnids under subphylum Cheylicerata. Mites are classified under class Arachnida, order Acari, and family Sar- Jerrold Meyer, PhD coptidae.4 Professor member of the Psychology Department and Director of the Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Regards, David Chu, DVM, DACLAM Staff Veterinarian Letters to the Editor School of Medicine, Stanford University Letters discuss material published in Comparative Medicine in the previous 3 issues. They can be submitted through email ([email protected]) or by regular mail (9190 Crestwyn References Hills Dr, Memphis, TN 38125). Letters are not necessarily 1. Novak MA, Meyer JS. 2009. Alopecia: possible causes and treat- acknowledged upon receipt nor are the authors necessarily ments, particularly in captive nonhuman primates. Comp Med 59:18-26 consulted before publication. Whether published in full 2. Fukatsu T, Hosokawa T, Koga R, Nikoh N, Kato T, Hayama S, Take- or part, letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. fushi H, Tanaka I. 2009. Intestinal endocellular symbiotic bacterium The authors of the cited article will generally be given an of the macaque louse Pedicinus obtusus: distinct endosymbiont opportunity to respond in the same issue in which the letter origins in anthropoid primate lice and the Old World monkey louse. Appl Environ Microbiol. Forthcoming. is published. 219.

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