Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Neisseria zoodegmatis is an opportunistic commensal of the oral cavity of domestic and wild carnivores, occasionally causing severe bite-wound infections in humans. However, its role as a primary systemic pathogen in wildlife remains poorly characterized. We describe a rare case of fatal septicemia and acute necro-purulent glomerulonephritis in an adult male smooth-coated otter ( Lutrogale perspicillata ) housed in a zoological park in Southern Italy. Case presentation: An adult male smooth-coated otter presented severe emaciation and multi-organ congestion at postmortem examination following sudden death. Histopathology demonstrated acute suppurative glomerulonephritis associated with massive bacterial emboli replacing the glomerular tufts. Neisseria zoodegmatis was isolated from kidney tissue in pure culture and identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In the absence of acute bite trauma, severe periodontitis was identified as the potential mucosal portal of entry leading to hematogenous dissemination. Conclusions This case highlights the systemic pathogenic potential of N. zoodegmatis in captive aquatic mammals and underscores the One Health implications for veterinary staff handling captive wildlife.