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Incidence and Pathogenicity of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica in a Large Rhesus Macaque
Sheena Haney1, Anne D Lewis1, Hilary Ann Lakin2
1Division of Comparative Medicine, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
Abstract:
Comprehensive epidemiological reports on the incidence and pathogenicity of Yersinia spp., specifically Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica, in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are not prevalent. Here we report findings from a retrospective analysis of microbial culture results, necropsy reports, and histology records collected over 24 years (2000-2024) in a large captive rhesus macaque colony at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). Findings are compared between animals infected with either Y. pseudotuberculosis or Y. enterocolitica to evaluate the prevalence of infection within the population and determine whether Y. pseudotuberculosis is more likely to be associated with systemic disease and higher mortality than Y. enterocolitica. Among 101 affected animals, Y. pseudotuberculosis was the predominant species (75.2%), followed by Y. enterocolitica (22.7%) and Y. kristensenii (2.0%). Overall mortality among animals with confirmed yersiniosis was 25.3%, with comparable mortality rates for Y. pseudotuberculosis (23.7%) and Y. enterocolitica (30.4%) infections. Y. pseudotuberculosis was most frequently associated with systemic illness, spontaneous death, or significant clinical decline. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and targeted management strategies to mitigate the impact of Yersinia infections in captive nonhuman primate colonies.
Insights
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica infections are significant concerns in rhesus macaques. Y. pseudotuberculosis was more prevalent and linked to systemic disease, though mortality rates were similar for both Yersinia species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Microbiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited epidemiological data exists for Yersinia spp. in rhesus macaques.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of Yersinia infections is crucial for captive primate health.
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica are key pathogens of concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and pathogenicity of Yersinia spp. in a captive rhesus macaque colony.
- To compare disease outcomes between Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica infections.
- To determine if Y. pseudotuberculosis is associated with higher mortality and systemic disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of microbial cultures, necropsy reports, and histology records.
- Data collected over 24 years (2000-2024) from the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC).
- Comparison of findings between animals infected with Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica.
Main Results:
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was the predominant species (75.2%) among 101 affected animals.
- Overall mortality from yersiniosis was 25.3%, with comparable rates for Y. pseudotuberculosis (23.7%) and Y. enterocolitica (30.4%).
- Y. pseudotuberculosis was more frequently linked to systemic illness, spontaneous death, and clinical decline.
Conclusions:
- Yersinia infections pose a significant health risk in captive rhesus macaque populations.
- Y. pseudotuberculosis is a more common cause of severe illness and death in this setting.
- Continued surveillance and targeted management are essential to mitigate Yersinia's impact.
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