Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection associated with pneumonia in a drill monkey in the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan: A case report

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important bacterium has been implicated in life-threatening conditions in animals. P. aeruginosa was indicated in transient and persistent lung infections in immunocompromised animals. Pseudomonas species are frequently associated with wildlife infections but are often not reported. In this study, a female drill monkey died 14 days after showing clinical signs of anorexia and nasal discharge. Vitamins B-complex and C were administered intramuscularly before her death. Postmortem examination and bacteriological analysis of necropsy samples indicated severe pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa. The gums showed cyanosis of gums and oral mucous membrane. The cranial and middle lobes of the right lungs were consolidated. Enlargement and yellowish diffusion of the liver were observed. Multifocal petechial haemorrhages on small and large intestinal mucosa were observed. The histopathology revealed diffuse thickening of the interstitium due to hypercellular septae, congested capillaries, proteinaceous fluid and inflammatory cells. Alveolar cells were also hypertrophic with hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and fluid exudation. This study showed the importance of surveillance for the incidence of pathogenic bacteria and virulence traits in captive animals.