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Arcobacter (Campylobacter) butzleri-associated diarrheal illness in a nonhuman primate population
K F Anderson1, J A Kiehlbauch, D C Anderson
1Division of Pathobiology and Immunobiology, Yerkes Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
Abstract:
After DNA hybridization identified an isolate from an ill rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) as Arcobacter (Campylobacter) butzleri, we initiated a study to determine whether A. butzleri was associated with diarrheal disease in nonhuman primates at the Yerkes Primate Research Center. By using Campy-CVA medium incubated at 35 degrees C, 15 A. butzleri isolates were obtained from 14 macaques; 7 macaques were coinfected with Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni. A. butzleri was not isolated from normal feces, despite the fact that feces from 76 macaques were cultured at necropsy. Histologic evaluation of colonic specimens from three macaques from which A. butzleri had been isolated showed mild to moderately severe chronic, active colitis. Ribotype analysis of the 15 A. butzleri isolates revealed nine different strains; these data suggest that A. butzleri may be endemic in this primate population and that a point source of infection is unlikely. This is the first report of the presence of A. butzleri in juvenile and adult macaques with diarrhea, and it may present an opportunity to study the pathogenesis of this organism, which appears to be associated with persistent diarrhea in humans.
Insights
Arcobacter butzleri was identified in ill rhesus macaques experiencing diarrhea. This bacterium may be endemic in this primate population and warrants further study for its role in persistent diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Primate Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Arcobacter butzleri, previously classified as Campylobacter butzleri, is a recognized cause of persistent diarrhea in humans.
- Nonhuman primates can serve as reservoirs for enteric pathogens, potentially posing risks to human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Arcobacter butzleri and diarrheal disease in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at the Yerkes Primate Research Center.
- To determine if A. butzleri is endemic within this primate population.
Main Methods:
- DNA hybridization for initial identification of A. butzleri.
- Culture of fecal samples using Campy-CVA medium at 35°C.
- Histologic evaluation of colonic tissues.
- Ribotype analysis for strain differentiation.
Main Results:
- Fifteen isolates of A. butzleri were recovered from 14 macaques with diarrhea; seven were coinfected with Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni.
- A. butzleri was not detected in fecal samples from healthy macaques.
- Histology revealed chronic, active colitis in macaques infected with A. butzleri.
- Ribotyping identified nine distinct A. butzleri strains, suggesting endemicity.
Conclusions:
- Arcobacter butzleri is present in rhesus macaques with diarrhea, indicating a potential association with the disease.
- The diverse strain distribution suggests A. butzleri may be endemic in this primate population.
- This finding provides an opportunity to study A. butzleri pathogenesis in a nonhuman primate model, relevant to human infections.