Molecular detection of Sarcocystis sp. in a kept under human care black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus., Goldfuss 1809) with necrotizing encephalitis.

A senile male black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) kept under human care in a Zoo was found dead after 2 weeks presenting signals of weight loss and hyporexia. Histopathological revealed a necrotizing encephalitis. Although it was not observed microscopically, Sarcocystis sp infection was detected in brain tissue from molecular assays. These infections have been rarely described in neotropical primates, particularly associated with tissue lesions.

Granulomatous meningoencephalitis and blindness associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in a senile female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

A 40-year old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) developed hyporexia, weight loss, followed by progressive and complete blindness. Tomography demonstrated an intracranial mass in the rostroventral brain involving the optic chiasm, with a presumptive diagnosis of neoplasm. However, histopathology revealed a granulomatous meningoencephalitis, and tissue samples tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Staphylococcus spp. as part of the microbiota and as opportunistic pathogen in free-ranging black-tuffed marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) from urban areas: Epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathology.

BACKGROUND: Marmosets (Callithrix sp.), including black-tuffed marmosets (C. penicillata), are neotropical primates that can be highly adapted to urban environments, especially parks and forested areas near cities. Staphylococcus spp. are part of the microbiota of many different hosts and lead to opportunistic severe infection. Isolates from wild animals can be resistant to antimicrobial drugs. However, there are a few studies that evaluated Staphylococcus spp. in neotropical primates. The goal of this study was to evaluate Staphylococcus spp. isolated from free-ranging black-tuffed marmosets. METHODS: Marmosets were captured in six urban parks. After sedation, skin and rectal swabs and feces were sampled. Staphylococcus spp. isolates were identified by MALDI-ToF and their antimicrobial susceptibility was determined. RESULTS: Over 30% of captured individuals were positive for Staphylococcus spp., and S. aureus was the most isolated species followed by Mammaliicoccus (Staphylococcus) sciuri. With the exception of the marmoset subjected to necropsy, none of the other had lesions, which supports that notion that Staphylococcus spp. are members of the microbiota, but also opportunistic pathogens. Most isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested; however, one isolate of S. epidermidis was resistant to multiple antimicrobials (penicillin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and erythromycin). We considered S. aureus as the main staphylococci to colonize black-tuffed marmosets. CONCLUSIONS: Black-tuffed marmosets can be colonized by several Staphylococcus species, most frequently by S. aureus, and the majority of isolates were sensible to the antimicrobials tested. One S. epidermidis isolate was considered multidrug resistant.

Cell and Tissue Tropism of Brucella spp.

Brucella spp. are facultatively intracellular bacteria that can infect, survive, and multiply in various host cell types in vivo and/or in vitro. The genus Brucella has markedly expanded in recent years with the identification of novel species and hosts, which has revealed additional information about the cell and tissue tropism of these pathogens. Classically, Brucella spp. are considered to have tropism for organs that contain large populations of phagocytes such as lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, as well as for organs of the genital system, including the uterus, epididymis, testis, and placenta. However, experimental infections of several different cultured cell types indicate that Brucella may actually have a broader cell tropism than previously thought. Indeed, recent studies indicate that certain Brucella species in particular hosts may display a pantropic distribution in vivo. This review discusses the available knowledge on cell and tissue tropism of Brucella spp. in natural infections of various host species, as well as in experimental animal models and cultured cells.

Chylothorax associated with pulmonary compressive atelectasis in an emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator).

Chylothorax is the accumulation of lymph in the thoracic cavity, and it has never been reported in neotropical primates. An emperor tamarin died and at necropsy chylothorax associated with pulmonary compressive atelectasis was diagnosed. Idiopathic chylothorax can be a cause of respiratory insufficiency and death in tamarins.

Polyarteritis nodosa in a captive common wooly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha) associated with intestinal necrosis, peritonitis, and sepsis.

Polyarteritis nodosa is an idiopathic necrotizing vasculitis that affects small to medium-sized arteries. We describe a case of polyarteritis nodosa in a captive common wooly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha) associated with transmural intestinal necrosis and secondary peritonitis. This condition must be considered for differential diagnosis of segmental arteritis in neotropical primates.

ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS SPP. ISOLATED FROM FELIDS AND CANIDS IN BELO HORIZONTE ZOO, BRAZIL.

The epidemiology of Staphylococcus spp. has become a major concern among humans and animals due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and frequent reports of infection. Despite the importance of animals as reservoirs for staphylococci, little is known about the epidemiology of Staphylococcus spp. in most nondomestic species, including canids and felids. This study evaluated the frequency, distribution, and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of staphylococcal species isolated from captive felids and canids from Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil. Rectal, oral, and nasal swabs from apparently healthy maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus, n= 7), a lion (Panthera leo, n = 1), jaguars (Panthera onca, n = 3), and one swab of a cougar (Puma concolor) with an ear infection were streaked onto mannitol salt agar. Colonies identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction for the Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains were subjected to multilocus sequence typing. Staphylococcus species were isolated from 24 of the 34 samples (70.6%). Among the isolated strains, S. pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus felis were the most frequent species (41.7 and 25%, respectively). Five novel sequence types were identified among the S. pseudintermedius isolates. Resistance to tetracycline (7/24, 29.2%) or penicillin (6/23, 26.1%) was significantly higher than the other antimicrobial agents tested (P < 0.05). One isolate, Staphylococcus nepalensis, was positive for mecA and resistant to five antimicrobials, and was thus classified as multidrug-resistant. The present work suggests that maned wolves are natural hosts of SIG and also reports the isolation of S. felis in sick and healthy, captive, nondomestic carnivores. The isolated staphylococci were susceptible to most classes of antimicrobials tested. However, the multidrug-resistance capability of an S. nepalensis strain reinforces the hypothesis that felids and canids act as reservoirs of pathogens with antimicrobial resistance.

Streptococcus pasteurianus-induced valvular endocarditis and sepsis in a puerperal emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator).

Streptococcus pasteurianus is associated with endocarditis and sepsis in humans. A puerperal emperor tamarin died, and necropsy showed a bacterial endocarditis with sepsis. DNA sequencing from the paraffinized heart tissue was compatible with S. pasteurianus. S. pasteurianus could be an important agent associated with sepsis in tamarins.

Mammaliicoccus (Staphylococcus) sciuri-induced suppurative meningoencephalitis and bacteremia in an infant western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

Mammaliicoccus (Staphylococcus) sciuri has been rarely associated with infections and sepsis in humans. A 3-month-old male western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), born under human care, died after a traumatic event. Histologic, microbiologic, and molecular findings in postmortem demonstrated a suppurative meningoencephalitis and bacteremia associated with M. sciuri infection.

Histopathologic and immunophenotypic profile of a spontaneous mammary carcinoma in a male Humboldt's white-fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons).

A 20-year-old male captive Humboldt's white-fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons) that died accidentally had a small non-ulcerative mammary nodule diagnosed as a mammary carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that neoplastic cells were positive for pan-cytokeratin and cytokeratin-7. Approximately 20% of neoplastic cells were positive for Ki-67. Neoplastic cells expressed estrogen and progesterone receptors.

PARASITOLOGIC AND PATHOLOGIC STUDY OF FREE-RANGING SOUTH AMERICAN RATTLESNAKES (CROTALUS DURISSUS TERRIFICUS) IN BRAZIL.

This study assesses parasitism and pathologic manifestations in free-ranging Crotalus durissus terrificus. A total of 96 rattlesnakes from the State of Minas Gerais (southeast Brazil) were necropsied between September 2019 and February 2020. Granulomatous gastritis affected 48% (46 of 96) of the snakes evaluated, which were associated with the ascaridid nematodes Ophidascaris sp. and Hexametra sp. Other nematodes found included Kalicephalus costatus costatus and Kalicephalus inermis inermis (Diaphanocephalidae; 7%, 7 of 96) in the intestines, Serpentirhabdias sp. (Rhabdiasidae; 18%, 17 of 96) in the lungs, and Hastospiculum sp. (Diplotriaenidae; 2%, 2 of 96) encapsulated in the serosa of the mesentery. Larval cestodes, probably spargana of Spirometra sp. (Diphyllobothriidae; 2%, 2 of 96), were found in the skeletal muscle and unidentified acanthocephalan cystacanths (Oligacanthorhynchidae; 5%, 5 of 96) in the subcutis and coelomic cavity. The pentastome Porocephalus crotali (Porocephalidae; 2%, 2 of 96) was also found in the lungs. Microscopically, intestinal disease was caused by Sarcocystis sp. (7%, 7 of 96), Cryptosporidium sp. (1%, 1 of 96), and Entamoeba sp. (1%, 1 of 96) and fungi (7%, 7 of 96). In addition, hemoparasites such as Hepatozoon spp. (23%, 22 of 96) and Trypanosoma sp. (1%, 1 of 96) were observed in blood smears. This study expands the knowledge of diseases, parasites, and other infectious agents affecting free-ranging C. durissus terrificus in Brazil.

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF HEPATIC HEMOSIDEROSIS AND IRON STORAGE DISEASE IN SEVERAL CAPTIVE AND FREE-RANGING AVIAN SPECIES.

Some wild species of mammals and birds are prone to excessive iron accumulation, especially when maintained in human care. Hemosiderosis is the process of intracellular accumulation of iron without evidence of toxicity, whereas hemochromatosis is characterized by severe iron accumulation with accompanying organ damage. Iron storage disease (ISD) occurs when organ damage is severe and causing clinical signs. This retrospective study investigated the occurrence of hemosiderosis and ISD across a variety of avian taxa, including captive and free-ranging birds. Archived paraffin-embedded hepatic samples from 103 birds from Belo Horizonte Zoo that died naturally in the period of 2008 to 2018 were re-evaluated with histologic and morphometric techniques, focusing on the identification and scoring of iron deposits in hepatocytes and the quantification of total affected hepatic area. The birds represented 13 orders, 22 families, and 52 genera, and 66 (64.0%) had some degree of iron accumulation in their liver. Importantly, no statistical difference was observed in the occurrence of iron accumulation between families, orders, or origin (free-ranging or captive). Direct and positive correlation was observed between the total area affected by the iron deposits and the histologic score. In this study, there were two cases with severe iron accumulation and clinical signs compatible with ISD: a barefaced curassow (Crax fasciolata) and a channel-billed toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus). This study indicates that iron accumulation may occur in a wide range of avian species, with frequencies and intensities that are similar between free-ranging birds and those in human care. It describes for the first time the occurrence of ISD in a Galliform species.

Epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of lethal acanthocephalosis in captive neotropical primates.

BACKGROUND: Acanthocephalosis is an important cause of death in captive New World primates (NWP). Once established in a colony, it is extremely difficult to treat and control, quickly spreading among NWP with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to characterize the disease associated with infection with acanthocephalans according to its epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological aspects in a captive NWP population. METHODS: From 2010 to 2020, a Brazilian zoo had recurrent deaths of NWP associated to acanthocephalan parasitism. Clinical and pathological profiles of these animals were analyzed considering the host species, sex, age, weight, clinical signs, therapeutic protocols, and pathological findings. RESULTS: A total of 27 deaths associated with acanthocephalosis were recorded, all lethal cases affected tamarins and lion tamarins, corresponding to 67.5% of total deaths during the course of this study. Ten animals died with no previously detected clinical signs, whereas cases with noticeable clinical signs often had apathy and progressive weight loss, resulting in cachexia. Symptomatic NWP were treated with anthelmintic protocols, antibiotics, and support therapy. However, all hospitalized animals died and had grossly detectable adult acanthocephalans in the intestinal lumen that were identified as Prosthenorchis sp., which were associated with transmural and ulcerative enteritis. CONCLUSIONS: This report revealed the impact of acanthocephalosis in a naturally infected captive colony of NWP, particularly affecting tamarins (Saguinus spp.) and lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp.), with failed treatment and control strategies.

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in a lethal toxoplasmosis outbreak affecting captive howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.).

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and warm-blooded animals. This study describes an outbreak of toxoplasmosis in howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) and survival of capuchins (Sapajus apella), under the same environmental conditions. METHODS: Howler monkeys were submitted to post-mortem examination. Tissue samples were processed to histopathology and immunohistochemistry to detect lesions and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Tissue samples were also frozen and submitted to PCR and genotyping of T. gondii. RESULTS: Typical lesions were observed in several organs including the liver, lymph node, and brain, with intralesional cysts and tachyzoites of T. gondii demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. T. gondii genomic sequences were amplified by PCR, and genotyping characterized the same T. gondii clone in all howler monkeys. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that some species of neotropical primates are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis and the hypothesis that capuchins (S. apella) may be resistant.

Polyostotic osteosarcoma associated with avian leukosis virus infection in a captive bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata).

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal bone tumor. Although it is a common tumor in the appendicular skeleton of dogs and cats, it is rarely reported in birds. Retroviruses are usually associated with solid tumor development in different avian species. CASE PRESENTATION: This report aims to describe a case of osteosarcoma associated with the avian leukosis virus in a captive bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata). A captive adult female bare-faced curassow presented with lameness, hyporexia, and a non-ulcerative and firm tumor in the right femur. The bird was euthanized due to the poor prognosis. Histopathology revealed an infiltrative mesenchymal neoplasm consisting of spindle cells with moderate cell pleomorphism, organized in bundles and interspersed by marked deposition of the osteoid matrix, which was compatible with osteosarcoma affecting both femur and tibiotarsus, with renal metastasis. Immunohistochemistry of the primary and metastatic tumor demonstrated vimentin expression by neoplastic cells. Samples of the neoplasm, bone marrow, and spleen were processed for PCR, which enabled the demonstration of proviral avian leukosis virus (ALV) DNA. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an osteosarcoma in a bare-faced curassow with an unusual polyostotic manifestation and associated with ALV infection.

ACUTE NECROTIZING AND EOSINOPHILIC MYOCARDITIS IN A CHIMPANZEE (PAN TROGLODYTES).

Cardiac disease is of importance in captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) health. Here we report an eosinophilic and necrotizing myocarditis in a 17-y-old chimpanzee with no previous history of cardiac disease that progressed to death within 48 h. Toxic and infectious causes were ruled out. The chimpanzee had eosinophilia at different occasions in previous years. The animal had a severe, diffuse, and acute monophasic necrotizing myocarditis, with a moderate lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate that was rich in eosinophils. Ante- and postmortem investigations are compatible with an unusual eosinophilic myocarditis with clinical evolution and morphology comparable with human eosinophilic myocarditis secondary to hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Leishmaniasis in non-human primates: Clinical and pathological manifestations and potential as reservoirs.

Although the domestic dog is the most important reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis in urban areas, there have been an increasing number of reports of naturally occurring leishmaniasis in non-human primates. Reported cases affecting neotropical and Old World non-human primates as well as their potential role as reservoirs were reviewed.

Host range and susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii infection in captive neotropical and Old-world primates.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is an important disease affecting captive non-human primates. The goal of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and pathological findings of toxoplasmosis in different species of captive primates. METHODS: Six captive neotropical primates died naturally due to Toxoplasma gondii infection and were necropsied. Tissue samples were evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Serum samples from 57 captive neotropical and Old-world primates housed at the Belo Horizonte zoological garden were analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). RESULTS: Neotropical primates had lesions compatible with toxoplasmosis with immunolabeled intralesional T gondii. All Old-World primates (10/10), but only three neotropical primates (3/47), all belonging to the Sapajus apella species (3/6), were serologically positive. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a higher susceptibility of neotropical primates to toxoplasmosis. However, this study also supports the hypothesis that Sapajus apella may be naturally resistant.

The candidate vaccine strain Brucella ovis ∆abcBA is protective against Brucella melitensis infection in mice.

Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease, and Brucella melitensis is the species most often associated with human infection. Vaccination is the most efficient tool for controlling animal brucellosis, with a consequent decrease of incidence of human infections. Commercially available live attenuated vaccines provide some degree of protection, but retain residual pathogenicity to human and animals. In this study, Brucella ovis ∆abcBA (Bo∆abcBA), a live attenuated candidate vaccine strain, was tested in two formulations (encapsulated with alginate and alginate plus vitelline protein B [VpB]) to immunize mice against experimental challenge with B. melitensis strain 16M. One week after infection, livers and spleens of immunized mice had reduced numbers of the challenge strain B. melitensis 16M when compared with those of nonimmunized mice, with a reduction of approximately 1-log10 of B. melitensis 16M count in the spleens from immunized mice. Moreover, splenocytes stimulated with B. melitensis antigens in vitro secreted IFN-γ when mice had been immunized with Bo∆abcBA encapsulated with alginate plus VpB, but not with alginate alone. Body and liver weights were similar among groups, although spleens from mice immunized with Bo∆abcBA encapsulated with alginate were larger than those immunized with Bo∆abcBA encapsulated with alginate plus VpB or nonimmunized mice. This study demonstrated that two vaccine formulations containing Bo∆abcBA protected mice against experimental challenge with B. melitensis.

Histopathologic Patterns and Susceptibility of Neotropical Primates Naturally Infected With Yellow Fever Virus.

Yellow fever is an important zoonotic viral disease that can be fatal for both human and nonhuman primates. We evaluated histopathologic changes in free-ranging neotropical primates naturally infected with yellow fever virus (YFV) compared with uninfected cohorts. The most frequent lesions in primates infected with YFV were hepatic changes characterized by midzonal necrosis with lipidosis and mild inflammation including lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, and infrequently neutrophils. Importantly, severe necrotizing hepatic lesions were often observed in Alouatta sp. (howler monkeys), whereas Callithrix sp. (common marmosets) had nearly no hepatic changes. Moderate to severe hepatic necrosis was present in 21/23 (91%) of the YFV-positive Alouatta sp. compared with 10/29 (34%) of the YFV-positive Callithrix sp. (P < .0001; odds ratio = 20). Similarly, hepatitis was more intense in Alouatta sp. compared with Callithrix sp. Furthermore, the frequency of YFV infection was significantly higher in Alouatta sp. compared with Callithrix sp. or Sapajus sp. (capuchin monkeys). Therefore, these data support the notion that Alouatta sp. is highly susceptible to infection and YFV-induced lesions, whereas Callithrix sp. is susceptible to infection but has a lower frequency of YFV-induced lesions.