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Fulminant Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis in a lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) without detected signs
T K Graczyk1, M R Cranfield, S E Kempske
1Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Abstract:
A 3-month-old lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) infant that died on 2 February 1985 in the Baltimore Zoo (Baltimore, Maryland, USA) due to fulminating Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis had congested, edematous lungs, and thickened and congested brain leptomeninges with a grayish-yellow fluid within the subarachnoid brain space. From bacterial cultures made postmortem of the subarachnoid brain space fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, throat secretions, nasal secretions, and lung fluid, we isolated pure cultures of group B streptococci, alpha hemolytic S. pneumoniae, type 19F (capsular). We also isolated Staphylococcus aureus and S. hemolytica from antemortem nasal and throat bacterial cultures from all 13 animals of the M. silenus colony. Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis in M. silenus has not been previously reported.
Insights
A lion-tailed macaque infant died from Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, a condition not previously reported in this species. Bacterial cultures confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae and other bacteria in the deceased infant and the colony.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) are an endangered primate species.
- Meningitis can be a severe and fatal condition in various animal species.
Observation:
- A 3-month-old lion-tailed macaque infant presented with clinical signs consistent with severe infection.
- Postmortem examination revealed congested, edematous lungs and inflamed leptomeninges with purulent exudate in the subarachnoid space.
Findings:
- Cultures from the deceased infant's cerebrospinal fluid and lung fluid yielded pure cultures of alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus pneumoniae (type 19F).
- Group B streptococci were also isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Antemortem cultures from all 13 colony members identified Staphylococcus aureus and S. haemolyticus in nasal and throat secretions.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis in lion-tailed macaques.
- The findings highlight the potential for Streptococcus pneumoniae to cause severe disease in this primate species.
- Further investigation into the prevalence and transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Macaca silenus colonies is warranted.