INDIANAPOLIS — An orangutan at the Indianapolis Zoo has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disease.
Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine used molecular testing to diagnose Mila, the zoo's Sumatran Orangutan, with Alkaptonuria.
IU says Mila's diagnosis is the first time the disease has been confirmed molecularly in a primate other than a human.
Mila is six years old and was born at the Indianapolis Zoo in 2016. Researchers say she had a history of dark urine that turned brown upon standing since birth, but has never shown other symptoms. Through the collection of DNA, molecular genetics researchers at IU School of Medicine were able to confirm their diagnosis.
“This was an unexpected finding that ended years of questions about this animal,” said Marcus Miller, PhD, assistant professor of clinical medical and molecular genetics and principal investigator of the study. “We’re proud of this collaborative effort with the zoo that will hopefully lead to better care and treatment of Mila moving forward.”
Alkaptonuria is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of an enzyme called homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase. As an infant, the only symptom is urine that turns black upon standing. Symptoms typically progress slowly, but can lead to chronic joint pain and decreased mobility later in life.
It is unclear how the disease will impact Mila over time.
“I think the best part about these results is we can de-escalate some of the other studies that might have been recommended,” said Theodore Wilson, MD, assistant professor of clinical medical and molecular genetics. “We don’t need to use anesthesia for imaging, obtain a kidney biopsy or have guests or veterinarians worried. Even though her urine does still turn dark after being out in the environment, fortunately, now it doesn’t need to be a problem that is alarming.”
“People with this disease typically don’t develop symptoms until much later in life, usually in their 30s or 40s,” said Melissa Fayette, DVM, associate veterinarian for the Indianapolis Zoo. “We will continue to monitor Mila closely and perform regular preventive health exams to detect any secondary pathologies that may arise.”
-
More than 10,000 US hotel workers strike during Labor Day weekend
More than 10,000 hotel workers at 24 hotels stretching from Boston to the West Coast to Hawaii went on strike early Sunday morning, disrupting travel during a busy Labor Day weekend.Jacob Latimore named Grand Marshal of 40th Circle City Classic Parade
Indianapolis Black Expo has announced that acclaimed actor and R&B artist Jacob Latimore will be the Grand Marshal of the 40th Circle City Classic Parade on Saturday, Sept. 28.Human remains found in Greenwood positively identified after 35 years
The family will be coming to Indiana to claim the remains of Michael Benjamin Davis, born in Richland County, South Carolina. He would have been in his mid-20s at the time of his death.Indy non-profit to spotlight teen substance use with prevention film
A new film titled “Perspectives” aims to be a unique way of providing young people with substance use education and features a self-guided youth prevention program.