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Aliarcobacter butzleri colitis in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Adam K Myers1, Ahmad A Saied1, Tessa J Williams1
1Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA.
Abstract:
Aliarcobacter butzleri is a Campylobacter-like bacteria associated with watery diarrhea in humans and is infrequently reported in nonhuman primate (NHP) populations. While clinical and microscopic features in humans are indistinguishable from Campylobacter spp. infection, descriptions of A. butzleri-associated colitis in NHP are lacking. Here, we describe the clinical and pathological features of diarrhea and colitis associated with A. butzleri in rhesus macaques using a retrospective approach. Over a 3-year period, A. butzleri was isolated from 10 macaques with diarrhea. Five of the 10 were submitted for necropsy and had features of chronic enterocolitis, consistent with existing literature. However, 40% (2/5) of the cases were characterized by ulcerative colitis, which has not previously been described as a feature of A. butzleri colitis. A. butzleri should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of diarrhea and enterocolitis in captive rhesus macaques.
Insights
Aliarcobacter butzleri causes diarrhea in rhesus macaques. This bacteria can lead to chronic enterocolitis, and in some cases, ulcerative colitis, a previously undescribed feature in nonhuman primates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Primate Medicine
Background:
- Aliarcobacter butzleri is a Campylobacter-like bacterium linked to human diarrhea.
- A. butzleri infections are rarely reported in nonhuman primate (NHP) populations.
- Clinical descriptions of A. butzleri-associated colitis in NHPs are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and pathological features of A. butzleri-associated diarrhea and colitis in rhesus macaques.
- To identify potential novel pathological presentations of A. butzleri infection in NHPs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of cases over a 3-year period.
- Isolation of A. butzleri from macaques presenting with diarrhea.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected macaques.
Main Results:
- A. butzleri was isolated from 10 rhesus macaques with diarrhea.
- Five cases underwent necropsy, revealing chronic enterocolitis.
- Notably, 40% (2/5) of these cases exhibited ulcerative colitis, a new finding for A. butzleri.
Conclusions:
- A. butzleri is a causative agent of diarrhea and enterocolitis in rhesus macaques.
- Ulcerative colitis is a potential pathological manifestation of A. butzleri infection in this species.
- A. butzleri should be considered in the differential diagnosis for diarrhea in captive rhesus macaques.
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