Multicenter Analysis of the Attributable Diarrhea Risk and Odds Ratios of Pathogens in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Microbiology
• Primate Research

Background:

• Diarrhea is a significant health issue in research rhesus macaques.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare multiplex PCR gastrointestinal panel testing with conventional fecal culture for diagnosing diarrhea in rhesus macaques.
• To evaluate the association between specific pathogens and diarrhea, and their attributable risk.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving rhesus macaques with diarrhea from two institutions and housing environments.
• Comparison of pathogen detection rates and attributable diarrhea risk between multiplex PCR and fecal culture.

Main Results:

• Conventional fecal culture showed higher odds ratios and attributable diarrhea risk for Shigella and Yersinia detection compared to PCR.
• Multiplex PCR identified a broader range of detectable pathogens.
• Attributable diarrhea risk varied significantly based on the diagnostic method used.

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic method significantly impacts the perceived association between pathogens and diarrhea in rhesus macaques.
• Findings provide a ranked guide for clinicians to prioritize antimicrobial treatment based on attributable risk.
• Reevaluation of diagnostic method interpretation is necessary with the introduction of new technologies.