Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in Free-Ranging Sapajus nigritus, Argentina

Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the most relevant among pathogenic mycobacteria, both belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex (MTC). Samples of blood, liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and caseous tubercles were collected from a free-ranging juvenile black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) showing non-specific signs of illness. Macroscopic findings included emaciation, a caseous lesion in a tooth and gingiva, disseminated nodules in both lungs and left kidney parenchyma and caseous nodules on the pleura and mesentery. The lesions suggested MTC infection, a diagnosis subsequently supported in the lung by bacilloscopy, immunochromatography and PCR. A multiplex PCR further validated the presence of M. bovis genes. Cases of tuberculosis in platyrrhine primates have only been reported in animals maintained in captivity. We describe for the first time the pathological and molecular findings of M. bovis infection in a free-ranging platyrrhine monkey within an area of intense human-wildlife interaction, which has important implications from a One Health perspective.