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Isolation and pathogenicity of provisional serovar 1621-54 of "Shigella" from imported cynomolgus monkeys
Abstract:
The provisional serovar 1621-54 of "Shigella" was isolated from 36 (13.2%) of 273 cynomolgus monkeys newly imported into Tsukuba Primate Center for Medical Science (TPC) from Indonesia during the period from 1980 through 1981. The biochemical properties of the isolates were in good agreement with those of previously described provisional "Shigella" serovar 1621-54. Clinically, 13 (36.1%) of 36 monkeys being positive for the organisms excreted diarrheal stools on arrival at TPC. In addition, the organisms were isolated also from three other monkeys contracting dysentery during the quarantine period at TPC. One of them died 2 days after the onset of dysentery. Histopathological findings of this case were essentially the same as those of Shigella-infected monkeys. Pathogenicity of the isolates was examined in three experimental infection models; (1) the infection model using cultured HeLa-S3 cells, (2) the keratoconjunctival infection model of the guinea pig, and (3) the intestinal infection model of the cynomolgus monkey. All the strains tested showed positive results in these experimental models, causing intracellular penetration and multiplication in HeLa-S3 cell cultures, keratoconjunctivitis in guinea pigs, and dysentery in cynomolgus monkeys. These results indicate that provisional "Shigella" serovar 1621-54 is a causative agent of dysentery in man as well as in monkeys.
Insights
Provisional Shigella serovar 1621-54 was identified in imported cynomolgus monkeys, causing dysentery in some. Experimental models confirmed its pathogenicity in monkeys and cell cultures, indicating it can cause disease in humans and primates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Primate Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Shigella infections can cause significant disease in primates.
- Imported animals may harbor novel or known pathogens.
- Understanding pathogen transmission is crucial for biosecurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize Shigella serovar 1621-54 isolated from imported cynomolgus monkeys.
- To assess the pathogenicity of these isolates in experimental models.
- To determine the potential of this serovar to cause dysentery in humans and monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and biochemical characterization of Shigella from imported monkeys.
- Clinical observation of infected monkeys during quarantine.
- Pathogenicity testing using HeLa-S3 cell cultures, guinea pig keratoconjunctival model, and cynomolgus monkey intestinal model.
Main Results:
- Shigella serovar 1621-54 was isolated from 13.2% of imported cynomolgus monkeys.
- Infected monkeys exhibited diarrheal stools, with one fatality due to dysentery.
- Experimental models confirmed the isolates' ability to cause intracellular infection, keratoconjunctivitis, and dysentery.
Conclusions:
- Provisional Shigella serovar 1621-54 is a pathogenic agent responsible for dysentery.
- This serovar poses a risk to both primate health in quarantine and potentially to humans.
- Further investigation into Shigella strains from imported primates is warranted.