Fatal Africanized bee attack in captive non-human primates (Saimiri ustus and Sapajus libidinosus)

Abstract

Bee stings (BS) are a life-threatening issue and a growing concern for public health and animals in the Americas. We describe the clinical, pathological, and ultrastructural findings of a massive lethal bee attack in two non-human primates (NHPs). Both animals showed BS scattered throughout the skin, surrounded by a local reaction, diffuse pulmonary congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and remarkable degeneration and necrosis of renal epithelial cells from the proximal and distal tubules, characterizing a systemic bee envenomation reaction.

Keywords: Bee venom; Envenomation; Kidney injury; Macaques; Systemic reaction.