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Published on: May 2, 2017
Disseminated nocardiosis in three macaque monkeys
Abstract:
Extrapulmonary nocardiosis was diagnosed at necropsy in two rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and one pigtailed monkey (M. nemestrina) over a four-year period in a large primate center. Typical lesions were multiple pyogranulomatous foci in the liver, intestines, peritoneum, lung and brain. Partially acid-fast, branching, filamentous organisms were seen in all lesions. Nocardia sp. was isolated from two cases. We postulate that two of the monkeys were infected by the oral route because of the distribution of lesions.
Insights
Nocardia infection caused extrapulmonary nocardiosis in rhesus and pigtailed monkeys. Lesions were found in multiple organs, suggesting potential oral infection routes in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection caused by Nocardia species.
- Primate research facilities require vigilant monitoring for infectious diseases.
Observation:
- Extrapulmonary nocardiosis was diagnosed in two rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and one pigtailed monkey (M. nemestrina).
- Lesions included multiple pyogranulomatous foci in the liver, intestines, peritoneum, lung, and brain.
- Partially acid-fast, branching, filamentous organisms consistent with Nocardia were identified in all affected tissues.
Findings:
- Nocardia species were successfully isolated from two of the affected monkeys.
- The distribution of lesions suggested a possible oral route of infection in two cases.
Implications:
- This study highlights the potential for Nocardia to cause severe disseminated disease in non-human primates.
- Understanding infection routes is crucial for implementing effective biosecurity and prevention strategies in primate centers.
