Intraocular granulomas associated with tuberculosis in primates

Intraocular granulomas associated with tuberculosis were observed in 2 subhuman primates (Ateles geoffroyi and Macaca mulatta). Bacterial cultures from lung tissues at the time of necropsy confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium bovis and M tuberculosis, respectively. The absence of generalized clinical signs in spite of systemic dissemination of the organisms in these cases and the public health significance of tuberculous infections emphasize the importance of proper observation and diagnostic procedures in primate colonies and display collections.