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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Multicolor Flow Cytometry Analyses of Cellular Immune Response in Rhesus Macaques
Published on: April 22, 2010
Resident bacteria in a mixed population of rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) monkeys: a prevalence study
C A Carrier1, T B Elliott, G D Ledney
1Veterinary Sciences Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Bethesda, MD, USA.
Background:
Microflora populations residing in oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal sites defend against pathogenic bacterial colonization. Perturbations in these microbial communities may allow opportunistic pathogenic bacteria to establish themselves and cause morbidity and mortality from sepsis particularly after stressful experimental procedures. This study determined the prevalent facultative bacteria in a resident population of Macaca mulatta prior to use in experimentally induced immunosuppressive radiation studies.
Methods:
Standard microbiological methods were used to assess prevalent facultative bacteria in the oropharynx and rectum of 24 male M. mulatta.
Results:
The majority of the bacteria isolated from the oropharyngeal and rectal sites were gram-positive cocci. Species of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus predominated in all samples. Few gram-negative bacteria were isolated.
Conclusions:
Bacteriological assessment is recommended to identify predominant bacterial species to be prepared to provide appropriate antimicrobial therapy in non-human primates that are expected to undergo stressful immunocompromising procedures.
Insights
This study identified common bacteria in rhesus macaques before radiation. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species were predominant, highlighting the need for pre-procedural bacteriological assessment in non-human primates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Primate Health
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal microflora protect against pathogenic bacteria.
- Disruptions in microbial communities can lead to opportunistic infections and sepsis, especially post-stress.
- This study focused on identifying common bacteria in Macaca mulatta before radiation-induced immunosuppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalent facultative bacteria in the oropharynx and rectum of Macaca mulatta.
- To establish a baseline microflora profile for non-human primates undergoing experimental procedures.
Main Methods:
- Standard microbiological techniques were employed.
- Bacterial samples were collected from the oropharynx and rectum of 24 male Macaca mulatta.
- Facultative bacteria populations were assessed.
Main Results:
- Gram-positive cocci constituted the majority of isolated bacteria.
- Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species were the predominant genera found in all samples.
- Gram-negative bacteria were isolated infrequently.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriological assessment is crucial for identifying predominant bacterial species in non-human primates.
- This information aids in preparing appropriate antimicrobial therapy for animals undergoing stressful, immunocompromising procedures.
- Understanding baseline microflora is key to preventing opportunistic infections in research settings.
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