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Postanesthesia death and suspected peracute endotoxic shock due to Pseudomonas putida in a cynomolgous macaque
C Andrew Matchett1, Dirck L Dillehay, Mark M Goodman
1Division of Animal Resources, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Abstract:
An adult male cynomolgous macaque (Macaca fascicularis) died suddenly after anesthesia for a positron emission tomography scan. Bacteriologic culture of the mucopurulent secretions recovered from the endotracheal tube yielded heavy growth of Pseudomonas putida, a known endotoxin producer. Histologically, the lungs had severe, diffuse perivascular edema and neutrophils marginating to the endothelium. The sudden death and the pathologic findings were consistent with peracute endotoxic shock. Numerous environmental swab specimens of the surgical suite and equipment were submitted for bacteriologic culture, as were swab specimens of endotracheal secretions from a control animal; however, Pseudomonas putida was not isolated from any specimen. The animal in this report may have carried Pseudomonas putida as a commensal in the oropharynx, and the stress of anesthesia may have resulted in increased sensitivity to the endotoxin.
Insights
A macaque died suddenly from endotoxic shock after anesthesia. Pseudomonas putida, an endotoxin producer, was found in secretions but not the environment, suggesting a possible commensal infection exacerbated by anesthesia stress.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Sudden death in animals undergoing medical procedures can have various causes.
- Pseudomonas putida is a bacterium known for its ability to produce endotoxins, which can lead to severe physiological responses.
Observation:
- An adult male cynomolgous macaque (Macaca fascicularis) experienced sudden death post-anesthesia for a positron emission tomography scan.
- Bacteriologic culture of endotracheal secretions revealed heavy growth of Pseudomonas putida.
- Histological examination of the lungs showed severe perivascular edema and neutrophil margination.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and pathological findings were consistent with peracute endotoxic shock.
- Despite extensive environmental culturing, Pseudomonas putida was not isolated from the surgical suite or equipment.
- Control animal samples also did not yield Pseudomonas putida.
Implications:
- This case suggests that Pseudomonas putida may act as a commensal organism, with anesthesia stress potentially increasing susceptibility to its endotoxins.
- Understanding potential opportunistic pathogens in animals undergoing anesthesia is crucial for preventing adverse events.
- Further research into the role of commensal bacteria and anesthesia stress in endotoxic shock is warranted.
