Hemorrhagic colitis associated withSalmonella entericaserotype Infantis infection in a captive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) inBrazil

Abstract

Enteric diseases are among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in gorillas, and it is often caused by bacteria. 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. 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. A diagnosis of hemorrhagic colitis associated with Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis was established.