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An outbreak of melioidosis in imported primates in Britain
1Department of Clinical Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Abstract:
An outbreak of melioidosis, a bacterial infection caused by Pseudomonas pseudomallei, was identified in a batch of feral cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) imported to Britain from the Philippines. Thirteen confirmed or possible cases occurred among a batch of 50 animals. Subsequent investigations revealed that the infection was uncommon among imported primates from a variety of sources, although three other cases were identified in monkeys imported from Indonesia. The majority of the affected monkeys had splenic abscesses, and hepatic abscesses and infections of the soft tissues and skin were also frequently observed. Most of the infected animals had no clinical signs despite extensive abscesses, and the presence of infection was only suspected when they were shown to have serum antibodies to P pseudomallei by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Although there was no evidence of cross infection of other animals or human handlers, this outbreak is a reminder of the dangers of working with wild-caught primates and the potential for the establishment of environmental foci of melioidosis.
Insights
An outbreak of melioidosis, a bacterial infection caused by Pseudomonas pseudomallei, occurred in imported cynomolgus monkeys. This highlights risks associated with wild-caught primates and potential environmental spread.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Primate Health
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Pseudomonas pseudomallei, is a serious bacterial infection.
- Imported wild-caught primates can pose risks for disease transmission.
- Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are frequently imported for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an outbreak of melioidosis in imported cynomolgus monkeys.
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of melioidosis in this group.
- To assess the risk of cross-infection and environmental establishment.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for P. pseudomallei antibodies.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected animals.
- Epidemiological investigation of the outbreak source and potential transmission routes.
Main Results:
- Thirteen cases (26%) of melioidosis identified in a batch of 50 imported cynomolgus monkeys.
- Splenic, hepatic, and soft tissue abscesses were common findings.
- Most infected monkeys were asymptomatic, with infection detected via antibody presence.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak underscores the risks of importing wild-caught primates, particularly concerning melioidosis.
- Asymptomatic infections in primates can complicate disease detection.
- Potential for environmental foci of P. pseudomallei exists, necessitating careful management of imported animals.