Hemorrhagic colitis associated with Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis infection in a captive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Brazil

Abstract

Background: Enteric diseases are among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in gorillas, and it is often caused by bacteria.

Methods: A thirteen-year-old captive female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) developed hemorrhagic diarrhea. Despite the treatment, the animal died 7 days after the onset of clinical signs. The animal was submitted to a thorough pathological and microbiological evaluation.

Results: Pathologic examination revealed a severe acute hemorrhagic colitis, neutrophilic splenitis, glomerulitis, and interstitial pneumonia. Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis was isolated from a mesenteric lymph node.

Conclusion: A diagnosis of hemorrhagic colitis associated with Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis was established.

Keywords: Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis; hemorrhagic enteritis; primate; salmonellosis.