Primate Gastroenteritis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Bacterial gastroenteritis is a major health concern in captive nonhuman primate (NHP) populations and represents a significant category of disease on the NAVLE examination. The three most clinically important bacterial pathogens causing gastroenteritis in primates are Yersinia species, Salmonella species, and Campylobacter jejuni. These infections can range from asymptomatic carrier states to acute, life-threatening septicemia.

Nonhuman primates are extremely susceptible to these bacterial pathogens, and outbreaks in captive colonies can result in high morbidity and mortality, particularly in juvenile animals. Understanding the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections is essential for veterinarians working with primates in zoological, research, or rescue settings.

Yersinia Species Infections (Yersiniosis)

Etiology and Pathogenesis

Yersinia species are Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccobacilli belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. The two primary enteropathogenic species affecting primates are Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Note that Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is a distinct pathogen with different clinical manifestations.