Septicemia in an Indian Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) associated with Providencia stuartii

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Microbiology
• Primate Medicine

Background:

• Providencia stuartii is an opportunistic pathogen frequently implicated in urinary catheter-related infections in humans.
• Septicemia is a severe, life-threatening bloodstream infection.

Observation:

• A case of septicemia caused by Providencia stuartii in an eighteen-year-old, female Rhesus macaque with multiple traumatic wounds is described.
• The animal presented with neutrophilic leukocytosis, necrosuppurative meningoencephalitis, hypophysitis, and bronchopneumonia characterized by vasculitis, thrombosis, and Gram-negative bacilli.

Findings:

• Providencia stuartii was successfully isolated from brain and lung lesions.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing confirmed the identification of the pathogen.
• Histopathological examination revealed widespread inflammation and bacterial presence.

Implications:

• This report documents the first known case of Providencia stuartii-associated septicemia in a non-human primate.
• The findings highlight the potential for P. stuartii to cause severe systemic disease in immunocompromised or debilitated animals.
• This case underscores the importance of considering P. stuartii in the differential diagnosis of infections in non-human primates, particularly those with predisposing conditions.