Bacterial Profiles Associated With Captive Non-Human Primates in Jos Zoo, Nigeria
A. E. J. Okwori *
Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Nigeria.
O. Nwankiti
National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom – Jos, Nigeria.
A. I. Onaji
Department of Pharm Technology, University of Jos, Nigeria.
C. U. Aguoru
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
B. I. O. Ogbonna
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
A. Attah
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Nigeria.
M. D. Makut
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
T. I. Adikwu
Royal Infirmary Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) are distributed worldwide and have several unique features that may account for opportunistic and pathogenic zoonotic bacteria.
Aim: To evaluate the incidence of enteric organisms with zoonotic and biohazard potential in captive NHPs in a zoo setting.
Study Design: Descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria between June-September, 2012.
Methodology: We examined 33 clinically healthy young adult monkeys and apes over a three months interval. The animals were sampled at six weeks intervals by faecal culture. Samples were inoculated on appropriate media using specific selective culture methods. Suspect isolates potentially transmissible to humans were purified and identified based on their cultural and biochemical characteristics.
Results: The survey revealed six (6) bacterial pathogens using API 20E, Escherichia coli (100.0%), Salmonella paratyphi A 31(93.9%), Proteus mirabilis 14(42.4%), Campylobacter species 6(18.2%), Citrobacter ferundii 7(21.2%), and Yersinia enterocolitica 3(9.1%).
Conclusion: The incidence of infections during the period of study (first week and the twelfth week) indicated increased patterns of transmission between species of primates. Research among primate populations has the potential to predict which pathogens might enter human populations as human contact with these animals both in captivity and in the wild is on the increase.
Keywords: Non-human primates, enteric bacterial spectrum, Jos, Nigeria