Tuberculosis in non-human primates of Assam: use of PrimaTB STAT-PAK Assay for detection of tuberculosis

Abstract

A total of 27 carcasses of non-human primates from the Assam State Zoo and Department of Forest and Environment and 3 serum samples from free ranging non-human primates in Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, were analysed from December 2007 to November 2009 to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis using immunological techniques. It was shown that 6 animals from the zoo were positive for tuberculosis. Macroscopic tuberculous lesions were found in the liver, lungs and spleen. The other organs like lymph nodes and kidneys also showed lesions but to a lesser degree. The 3 serum samples from wild primates were negative for the disease. These results show that tuberculosis is widely spread in captive animals in Assam Zoo and is therefore a matter of concern.