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Published on: November 5, 2019
Meningitis caused by Klebsiella spp in two rhesus monkeys
Abstract:
Two adult, female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) became depressed, weak, anorectic, and adipsic. Auscultation of the thorax of 1 monkey revealed bilateral harsh rales. Neither monkey responded to therapeutic doses of antibiotics, and both died soon after treatment was started. Meningitis was demonstrated histologically and pure cultures of multiply antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella were isolated from the brains of both monkeys. Of 13 clinically normal rhesus monkeys in the same facility, 5 had multiply antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella spp in their pharynges.
Insights
Two rhesus monkeys died from antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella meningitis. This Klebsiella strain was also found in the throats of healthy monkeys at the same facility, suggesting a potential environmental source.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rhesus monkeys are vital models in biomedical research.
- Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to both human and animal health.
- Klebsiella species are opportunistic pathogens that can cause severe infections.
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