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Outbreak of Tuberculosis in a Colony of Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) after Possible Indirect Contact with a Human
K Mätz-Rensing1, T Hartmann2, G M Wendel2
1German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Simian tuberculosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of non-human primates. Outbreaks of tuberculosis have been reported in primate colonies almost as long as these animals have been used experimentally or kept in zoological gardens. Significant progress has been made in reducing the incidence of tuberculosis in captive non-human primates, but despite reasonable precautions, outbreaks continue to occur. The most relevant reason is the high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) amongst the human population, in which tuberculosis is regarded as an important re-emerging disease. Furthermore, many non-human primate species originate from countries with a high burden of human TB. Therefore, Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a significant threat in animals imported from countries with high rates of human infection. We report an outbreak of tuberculosis among a group of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) living in a closed, long-term colony. The outbreak coincided with reactivation of a TB infection in a co-worker who never had direct access to the animal house or laboratories. Eleven of 26 rhesus monkeys developed classical chronic active tuberculosis with typical caseous granulomata of varying size within different organs. The main organ system involved was the lung, suggesting an aerosol route of infection. Such an outbreak has significant economic consequences due to animal loss, disruption of research and costs related to disease control. Precautionary measures must be improved in order to avoid TB in non-human primate colonies.
Insights
Tuberculosis outbreaks in rhesus monkeys highlight the persistent risk from human Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. Enhanced precautions are crucial for preventing simian tuberculosis in captive primate colonies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Primate Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Simian tuberculosis (TB) is a significant bacterial disease in non-human primates, historically impacting research and zoological collections.
- Despite control efforts, outbreaks persist, largely due to the high incidence of TB in human populations and the origin of many primates from high-burden countries.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses a continuous threat to captive primates, especially those imported from regions with prevalent human TB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze an outbreak of tuberculosis in a closed colony of rhesus monkeys.
- To investigate the potential link between human TB reactivation and the simian outbreak.
- To emphasize the economic and research implications of simian tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- Case study of a tuberculosis outbreak in a rhesus monkey colony.
- Clinical observation and pathological examination of affected animals.
- Correlation of the outbreak timeline with human TB reactivation.
Main Results:
- Eleven out of 26 rhesus monkeys developed chronic active tuberculosis.
- Lesions, primarily in the lungs, indicated an aerosol transmission route.
- The outbreak coincided with a human co-worker's TB reactivation, suggesting zoonotic or environmental transmission.
Conclusions:
- Human tuberculosis remains a significant risk factor for simian tuberculosis outbreaks in captive colonies.
- Improved precautionary measures are essential to prevent the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in non-human primate populations.
- Zoonotic transmission dynamics require careful consideration in managing primate health and research integrity.
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