Chromobacterium violaceum infections in 13 non-human primates.
BACKGROUND
Recently, an Indian-origin macaque was found dead and Chromobacterium violaceum was isolated from the skin wound, and hepatic and pulmonary abscesses.


METHODS
By searching the database, a total of thirteen cases of C. violaceum infection in pigtail macaques (n = 8), rhesus macaques (n = 4), and one baboon were identified from 2001 to 2010 at Tulane National Primate Research Center. Medical records were reviewed for breed, sex, age, clinical findings, treatment, outcome, bacteriology, and gross and histological findings.


RESULTS
Seven pigtail macaques and one Indian-origin rhesus macaque died of chromobacterial septicemia. All chromobacterial septicemic pigtail macaques were adult with higher incidence in female. Hepatic abscess and thrombosis were typical findings along with pulmonary abscess and thrombosis, renal venous thromboembolism, and necrosuppurative pleuritis, peritonitis, splenitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and meningoencephalitis. Skin wound, uterine infection, and oral and respiratory exposure were considered the points of entry for these animals.


CONCLUSIONS
This represents the first report of chromobacteriosis in pigtail, rhesus macaque, and baboon. Our experience suggests that chromobacterial infections may be more common in non-human primates than previously recognized.
Department of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA. dliu1@tulane.edu
David X
DX
Liu
Peter J
PJ
Didier
Gail B
GB
Plauche
D000818:Animals; D002861:Chromobacterium; D005260:Female; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006652:Histological Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D008145:Louisiana / Q000453:epidemiology; D008251:Macaca; D008297:Male; D008992:Monkey Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D010215:Papio; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*