Staphylococcal meningoencephalitis, nematodiasis, and typhlocolitis in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus).

BACKGROUND: Seizures were observed in a 16-year old male Guyanese squirrel monkey with a history of inappetence and weakness. METHODS AND RESULTS: Complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis indicated systemic disease. Nematode larvae were detected in the feces. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed leukocytes and gram-positive cocci. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the CSF. Histopathological evaluation revealed systemic lesions with inflammation and nematodes in the small and large intestine. CONCLUSION: This is the first report describing spontaneous staphylococcal CNS infection in a squirrel monkey.