First report of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis in a black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya): a study with mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeats genetic profiling.

Introduction: Over the past three decades, emerging epidemiological evidence has shown the increasing incidence and prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). As a result, clinical awareness of the impact these organisms have on both human and animal health has grown.

Material and methods: Two captive black howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) were experiencing recurrent diarrhoea. Their faecal samples were processed by suspension, decontamination and culture to propagate Mycobacterium. Immunochromatography and molecular studies were undertaken to detect parasites. The antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates was tested using broth microdilution. Additionally, mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR) typing was performed to assess the Mycobacterium pattern.

Results: Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis was identified and noted to have a novel MIRU-VNTR pattern (22221229). No parasites were detected by immunochromatography, but Giardia intestinalis was identified by PCR. This marks the first documented case of co-infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis and Giardia intestinalis in a black howler monkey.

Conclusion: Collecting clinical isolates from infected animals is vital for comparing them with other isolates, including those from the environment, and for re-evaluating their potential as pathogens. Our study is significant within the context of veterinary disease control and the One Health approach.