Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What disease is associated with macaque monkeys?

1. B virus

2. Q-fever

3. Tuberculosis

4. Toxoplasmosis

The correct answer is: Tuberculosis

Macaque monkeys are particularly associated with tuberculosis (TB). This zoonotic disease can be transmitted from non-human primates to humans, and the risk increases in environments where these animals are kept in research settings or zoos. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium species, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis being the primary pathogen affecting humans, while macaques may carry a variety of strains that can be infectious. In laboratory settings, the detection and management of tuberculosis in macaques are crucial, as an outbreak can have significant implications for both animal and human health, as well as for research protocols. The importance of screening and monitoring for TB in macaque populations is well-documented. Understanding the disease dynamics in macaques is essential for laboratory animal technicians, as it helps in ensuring proper health care protocols are followed and that both the animals and human caretakers are protected from potential zoonotic transmission.