TULAREMIA IN A COMMON MARMOSET (CALLITHRIX-JACCHUS) DIAGNOSED BY 16S RIBOSOMAL-RNA SEQUENCING

We report a case of tularemia in a common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus ) diagnosed by determination of the isolate's 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence. Pathological examination of the animal revealed a mult ifocal acute necrotizing hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, splenitis, and lymphangitis of the mandibular, retropharyngeal, and cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes. Moreover, multiple foci of acute necrosis wer e found in the epithelium of the jejunum and the interstitium of the l ung. Bacteriological investigations revealed a septicemia. The isolate d infectious agent was uncommon, not routinely diagnosed in our labora tory and therefore difficult to identify by conventional tools in a re asonable time and effort. Thus, we decided to perform a genetic analys is based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Thereby, an infection with Fra ncisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, was unambiguous ly diagnosed. This shows the great advantage 16S rRNA gene sequencing has as a,a general identification approach for unusual or rare isolate s. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.