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Goosen WJ, Moodley S, Ghielmetti G, Moosa Y, Zulu T, Smit T, Kleynhans L, Kerr TJ, Streicher EM, Hanekom WA, Warren RM, Wong EB, Miller MA. Identification and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in GeneXpert® MTB/RIF ultra-positive, culture-negative sputum from a rural community in South Africa. One Health 2024; 18:100702. [PMID: 38487729 PMCID: PMC10937233 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the presence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) DNA in archived human sputum samples previously collected from residents who reside adjacent to the M. bovis-endemic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi wildlife park, South Africa (SA). Sixty-eight sputum samples were GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra-positive for M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA but culture negative for M. tuberculosis. Amplification and Sanger sequencing of hsp65 and rpoB genes from DNA extracted from stored heat-inactivated sputum samples confirmed the presence of detectable amounts of MTBC from 20 out of the 68 sputum samples. Region of difference PCR, spoligotyping and gyrB long-read amplicon deep sequencing identified M. bovis (n = 10) and M. tuberculosis (n = 7). Notably, M. bovis spoligotypes SB0130 and SB1474 were identified in 4 samples, with SB0130 previously identified in local cattle and wildlife and SB1474 exclusively in African buffaloes in the adjacent park. M. bovis DNA in sputum, from people living near the park, underscores zoonotic transmission potential in SA. Identification of spoligotypes specifically associated with wildlife only and spoligotypes found in livestock as well as wildlife, highlights the complexity of TB epidemiology at wildlife-livestock-human interfaces. These findings support the need for integrated surveillance and control strategies to curb potential spillover and for the consideration of human M. bovis infection in SA patients with positive Ultra results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynand J. Goosen
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Sashen Moodley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Giovanni Ghielmetti
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yumna Moosa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Thando Zulu
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Theresa Smit
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Vukuzazi Team
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Leanie Kleynhans
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
- Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Tanya J. Kerr
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth M. Streicher
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Willem A. Hanekom
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robin M. Warren
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Emily B. Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michele A. Miller
- Department of Science and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
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Srilohasin P, Warit S, Prammananan T, Smithtikarn S, Kanitpun R, Kaewparuehaschai M, Noradechanon K, Meesawat S, Thakaew N, Sakulwittayasuk N, Kemthong T, Palaga T, Malaivijitnond S, Chaiprasert A. Advancing tuberculosis diagnosis and management in cynomolgus macaques using Xpert MTB/RIF ultra assay. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1518. [PMID: 38233591 PMCID: PMC10794203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51824-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The detection and management of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), in macaques, including cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), are of significant concern in research and regions where macaques coexist with humans or other animals. This study explored the utility of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay, a widely adopted molecular diagnostic tool to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) in humans, to detect DNA from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical samples obtained from cynomolgus macaques. This investigation involved a comprehensive comparative analysis, integrating established conventional diagnostic methodologies, assessing oropharyngeal-tracheal wash (PW) and buccal swab (BS) specimen types, and follow-up assessments at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month intervals. Our results demonstrated that the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay was able to detect MTBC in 12 of 316 clinical samples obtained from cynomolgus macaques, presenting a potential advantage over bacterial culture and chest radiographs. The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay exhibited exceptional sensitivity (100%) at the animal level, successfully detecting all macaques positive for M. tuberculosis as confirmed by traditional culture methods. The use of PW samples revealed that 5 positive samples from 99 (5.1%) were recommended for testing, compared to 0 samples from 99 buccal swab (BS) samples (0.0%). In particular, the definitive diagnosis of TB was confirmed in three deceased macaques by MTB culture, which detected the presence of the bacterium in tissue autopsy. Our findings demonstrate that the implementation of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay, along with prompt isolation measures, effectively reduced active TB cases among cynomolgus macaques over a 12-month period. These findings highlight the advance of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay in TB diagnosis and its crucial role in preventing potential outbreaks in cynomolgus macaques. With its rapidity, high sensitivity, and specificity, the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay can be highly suitable for use in reference laboratories to confirm TB disease and effectively interrupt TB transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapaporn Srilohasin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Research Fund, Siriraj Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Saradee Warit
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Thailand
| | - Therdsak Prammananan
- Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Research Fund, Siriraj Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Thailand
| | - Saijai Smithtikarn
- Division of Tuberculosis, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Reka Kanitpun
- National Institute of Animal Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Kirana Noradechanon
- Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Chachoengsao, Thailand
| | - Suthirote Meesawat
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand-Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi, Thailand
| | - Nattakan Thakaew
- Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Research Fund, Siriraj Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Taratorn Kemthong
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand-Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi, Thailand
| | - Tanapat Palaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Angkana Chaiprasert
- Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Research Fund, Siriraj Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Office for Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Dwyer R, Witte C, Buss P, Warren R, Miller M, Goosen W. Antemortem detection of Mycobacterium bovis in nasal swabs from African rhinoceros. Sci Rep 2024; 14:357. [PMID: 38172248 PMCID: PMC10764836 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection has been identified in black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros populations in Kruger National Park, South Africa. However, it is unknown whether M. bovis infected rhinoceros, like humans and cattle, can shed mycobacteria in respiratory secretions. Limited studies have suggested that rhinoceros with subclinical M. bovis infection may present minimal risk for transmission. However, recent advances that have improved detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members in paucibacillary samples warranted further investigation of rhinoceros secretions. In this pilot study, nasal swab samples from 75 rhinoceros with defined infection status based on M. bovis antigen-specific interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) results were analysed by GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra, BACTEC MGIT and TiKa-MGIT culture. Following culture, speciation was done using targeted PCRs followed by Sanger sequencing for mycobacterial species identification, and a region of difference (RD) 4 PCR. Using these techniques, MTBC was detected in secretions from 14/64 IGRA positive rhinoceros, with viable M. bovis having been isolated in 11 cases, but not in any IGRA negative rhinoceros (n = 11). This finding suggests the possibility that MTBC/M. bovis-infected rhinoceros may be a source of infection for other susceptible animals sharing the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dwyer
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Carmel Witte
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
- The Center for Wildlife Studies, P.O. Box 56, South Freeport, ME, 04078, USA
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa
| | - Robin Warren
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Michele Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Wynand Goosen
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
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Ghielmetti G, Loubser J, Kerr TJ, Stuber T, Thacker T, Martin LC, O'Hare MA, Mhlophe SK, Okunola A, Loxton AG, Warren RM, Moseley MH, Miller MA, Goosen WJ. Advancing animal tuberculosis surveillance using culture-independent long-read whole-genome sequencing. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1307440. [PMID: 38075895 PMCID: PMC10699144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1307440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal tuberculosis is a significant infectious disease affecting both livestock and wildlife populations worldwide. Effective disease surveillance and characterization of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) strains are essential for understanding transmission dynamics and implementing control measures. Currently, sequencing of genomic information has relied on culture-based methods, which are time-consuming, resource-demanding, and concerning in terms of biosafety. This study explores the use of culture-independent long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for a better understanding of M. bovis epidemiology in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer). By comparing two sequencing approaches, we evaluated the efficacy of Illumina WGS performed on culture extracts and culture-independent Oxford Nanopore adaptive sampling (NAS). Our objective was to assess the potential of NAS to detect genomic variants without sample culture. In addition, culture-independent amplicon sequencing, targeting mycobacterial-specific housekeeping and full-length 16S rRNA genes, was applied to investigate the presence of microorganisms, including nontuberculous mycobacteria. The sequencing quality obtained from DNA extracted directly from tissues using NAS is comparable to the sequencing quality of reads generated from culture-derived DNA using both NAS and Illumina technologies. We present a new approach that provides complete and accurate genome sequence reconstruction, culture independently, and using an economically affordable technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ghielmetti
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Loubser
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanya J. Kerr
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tod Stuber
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tyler Thacker
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Lauren C. Martin
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michaela A. O'Hare
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sinegugu K. Mhlophe
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abisola Okunola
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre G. Loxton
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin M. Warren
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark H. Moseley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Michele A. Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wynand J. Goosen
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Huang Z, Zhang G, Lyon CJ, Hu TY, Lu S. Outlook for CRISPR-based tuberculosis assays now in their infancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172035. [PMID: 37600797 PMCID: PMC10436990 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major underdiagnosed public health threat worldwide, being responsible for more than 10 million cases and one million deaths annually. TB diagnosis has become more rapid with the development and adoption of molecular tests, but remains challenging with traditional TB diagnosis, but there has not been a critical review of this area. Here, we systematically review these approaches to assess their diagnostic potential and issues with the development and clinical evaluation of proposed CRISPR-based TB assays. Based on these observations, we propose constructive suggestions to improve sample pretreatment, method development, clinical validation, and accessibility of these assays to streamline future assay development and validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Christopher J. Lyon
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Tony Y. Hu
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Shuihua Lu
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Cooke DM, Goosen WJ, Burgess T, Witte C, Miller MA. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex detection in rural goat herds in South Africa using Bayesian latent class analysis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2023; 257:110559. [PMID: 36739737 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2023.110559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Animal tuberculosis affects a wide range of domestic and wild animal species, including goats (Capra hircus). In South Africa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) testing and surveillance in domestic goats is not widely applied, potentially leading to under recognition of goats as a potential source of M. bovis spread to cattle as well as humans and wildlife. The aim of this study was to estimate diagnostic test performance for four assays and determine whether M. bovis infection was present in goats sharing communal pastures with M. bovis positive cattle in the Umkhanyakude district of Northern Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. In 2019, 137 M. bovis-exposed goats were screened for MTBC infection with four diagnostic tests: the in vivo single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCT), in vitro QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT) bovine interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), QFT bovine interferon gamma induced protein 10 (IP-10) release assay (IPRA), and nasal swabs tested with the Cepheid GeneXpert® MTB/RIF Ultra (GXU) assay for detection of MTBC DNA. A Bayesian latent class analysis was used to estimate MTBC prevalence and diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity. Among the 137 M. bovis-exposed goats, positive test results were identified in 15/136 (11.0%) goats by the SICCT; 4/128 (3.1%) goats by the IPRA; 2/128 (1.6%) goats by the IGRA; and 26/134 (19.4%) nasal swabs by the GXU. True prevalence was estimated by our model to be 1.1%, suggesting that goats in these communal herds are infected with MTBC at a low level. Estimated posterior means across the four evaluated assays ranged from 62.7% to 80.9% for diagnostic sensitivity and from 82.9% to 97.9% for diagnostic specificity, albeit estimates of the former (diagnostic sensitivity) were dependent on model assumptions. The application of a Bayesian latent class analysis and multiple ante-mortem test results may improve detection of MTBC, especially when prevalence is low. Our results provide a foundation for further investigation to confirm infection in communal goat herds and identify previously unrecognized sources of intra- and inter-species transmission of MTBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Cooke
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research 8000, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
| | - Wynand J Goosen
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research 8000, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
| | - Tristan Burgess
- Center for Wildlife Studies, P.O. Box 56 South Freeport, ME 04078, USA.
| | - Carmel Witte
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research 8000, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Center for Wildlife Studies, P.O. Box 56 South Freeport, ME 04078, USA.
| | - Michele A Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research 8000, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
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Kasir D, Osman N, Awik A, El Ratel I, Rafei R, Al Kassaa I, El Safadi D, Salma R, El Omari K, Cummings KJ, Kassem II, Osman M. Zoonotic Tuberculosis: A Neglected Disease in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region. Diseases 2023; 11:diseases11010039. [PMID: 36975589 PMCID: PMC10047434 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the etiologic agent of bovine tuberculosis (BTB), a serious infectious disease in both humans and animals. BTB is a zoonotic disease primarily affecting cattle and occasionally humans infected through close contact with infected hosts or the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Zoonotic tuberculosis is strongly associated with poverty and poor hygiene, and low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of the disease. BTB has been increasingly recognized as a growing public health threat in developing countries. However, the lack of effective surveillance programs in many of these countries poses a barrier to accurately determining the true burden of this disease. Additionally, the control of BTB is threatened by the emergence of drug-resistant strains that affect the effectiveness of current treatment regimens. Here, we analyzed current trends in the epidemiology of the disease as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of M. bovis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a region that includes several developing countries. Following PRISMA guidelines, a total of 90 studies conducted in the MENA region were selected. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of BTB among humans and cattle varied significantly according to the population size and country in the MENA region. Most of the available studies were based on culture and/or PCR strategies and were published without including data on antimicrobial resistance and molecular typing. Our findings highlighted the paramount need for the use of appropriate diagnostic tools and the implementation of sustainable control measures, especially at the human/animal interface, in the MENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Kasir
- Quality Control Center Laboratories at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Tripoli & North Lebanon, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Nour Osman
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
| | - Aicha Awik
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Imane El Ratel
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Rayane Rafei
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Imad Al Kassaa
- Fonterra Research and Development Center, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Dima El Safadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Rayane Salma
- Quality Control Center Laboratories at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Tripoli & North Lebanon, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Khaled El Omari
- Quality Control Center Laboratories at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Tripoli & North Lebanon, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Kevin J. Cummings
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA
| | - Marwan Osman
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-607-262-4219
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8
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Ncube P, Bagheri B, Goosen WJ, Miller MA, Sampson SL. Evidence, Challenges, and Knowledge Gaps Regarding Latent Tuberculosis in Animals. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091845. [PMID: 36144447 PMCID: PMC9503773 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis and other Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) pathogens that cause domestic animal and wildlife tuberculosis have received considerably less attention than M. tuberculosis, the primary cause of human tuberculosis (TB). Human TB studies have shown that different stages of infection can exist, driven by host–pathogen interactions. This results in the emergence of heterogeneous subpopulations of mycobacteria in different phenotypic states, which range from actively replicating (AR) cells to viable but slowly or non-replicating (VBNR), viable but non-culturable (VBNC), and dormant mycobacteria. The VBNR, VBNC, and dormant subpopulations are believed to underlie latent tuberculosis (LTB) in humans; however, it is unclear if a similar phenomenon could be happening in animals. This review discusses the evidence, challenges, and knowledge gaps regarding LTB in animals, and possible host–pathogen differences in the MTBC strains M. tuberculosis and M. bovis during infection. We further consider models that might be adapted from human TB research to investigate how the different phenotypic states of bacteria could influence TB stages in animals. In addition, we explore potential host biomarkers and mycobacterial changes in the DosR regulon, transcriptional sigma factors, and resuscitation-promoting factors that may influence the development of LTB.
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9
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Alvarez AH. Revisiting tuberculosis screening: An insight to complementary diagnosis and prospective molecular approaches for the recognition of the dormant TB infection in human and cattle hosts. Microbiol Res 2021; 252:126853. [PMID: 34536677 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is defined as a chronic infection in both human and cattle hosts and many subclinical cases remain undetected. After the pathogen is inhaled by a host, phagocyted bacilli can persist inside macrophages surviving intracellularly. Hosts develop granulomatous lesions in the lungs or lymph nodes, limiting infection. However, bacilli become persister cells. Immunological diagnosis of TB is performed basically by routine tuberculin skin test (TST), and in some cases, by ancillary interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). The concept of human latent TB infection (LTBI) by M. tuberculosis is recognized in cohorts without symptoms by routine clinical diagnostic tests, and nowadays IGRA tests are used to confirm LTBI with either active or latent specific antigens of M. tuberculosis. On the other hand, dormant infection in cattle by M. bovis has not been described by TST or IGRA testing as complications occur by cross-reactive immune responses to homolog antigens of environmental mycobacteria or a false-negative test by anergic states of a wained bovine immunity, evidencing the need for deciphering more specific biomarkers by new-generation platforms of analysis for detection of M. bovis dormant infection. The study and description of bovine latent TB infection (boLTBI) would permit the recognition of hidden animal infection with an increase in the sensitivity of routine tests for an accurate estimation of infected dairy cattle. Evidence of immunological and experimental analysis of LTBI should be taken into account to improve the study and the description of the still neglected boLTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel H Alvarez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C. (CIATEJ), Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Av. Normalistas 800 C.P. 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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10
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Novel molecular transport medium used in combination with Xpert MTB/RIF ultra provides rapid detection of Mycobacterium bovis in African buffaloes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7061. [PMID: 33782515 PMCID: PMC8007588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in wildlife. Confirmation of M. bovis infection relies on mycobacterial culture, which is time-consuming. Collection and transportation of infectious material also pose a human health risk. PrimeStore Molecular Transport Medium (MTM) has been shown to effectively inactivate infectious organisms, making it a safe method for handling infectious samples. This study investigated an in-field sampling technique for rapid, safe detection of M. bovis in buffalo tissues. Potentially infected tissues from bTB test-positive buffaloes were swabbed at post-mortem examination and stored in PrimeStore MTM at ambient temperature until Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra testing was performed. Additionally, tissue samples were frozen and transported before homogenisation for culture and Ultra testing. Oral swabs were collected from M. bovis-unexposed buffaloes as a negative control cohort. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA was detected by Ultra in 13/16 tissue swabs and 9/16 matched tissue homogenates from culture-confirmed M. bovis-positive buffalo tissues. MTBC DNA was not detected in swabs from M. bovis-unexposed animals, showing the potentially high specificity of Ultra with PrimeStore swabs. PrimeStore MTM sample processing, in combination with the Ultra assay, has the potential to provide a safe, rapid post-mortem screening test for M. bovis in buffaloes.
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11
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Bernitz N, Kerr TJ, Goosen WJ, Chileshe J, Higgitt RL, Roos EO, Meiring C, Gumbo R, de Waal C, Clarke C, Smith K, Goldswain S, Sylvester TT, Kleynhans L, Dippenaar A, Buss PE, Cooper DV, Lyashchenko KP, Warren RM, van Helden PD, Parsons SDC, Miller MA. Review of Diagnostic Tests for Detection of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in South African Wildlife. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:588697. [PMID: 33585615 PMCID: PMC7876456 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.588697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife tuberculosis is a major economic and conservation concern globally. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), is the most common form of wildlife tuberculosis. In South Africa, to date, M. bovis infection has been detected in 24 mammalian wildlife species. The identification of M. bovis infection in wildlife species is essential to limit the spread and to control the disease in these populations, sympatric wildlife species and neighboring livestock. The detection of M. bovis-infected individuals is challenging as only severely diseased animals show clinical disease manifestations and diagnostic tools to identify infection are limited. The emergence of novel reagents and technologies to identify M. bovis infection in wildlife species are instrumental in improving the diagnosis and control of bTB. This review provides an update on the diagnostic tools to detect M. bovis infection in South African wildlife but may be a useful guide for other wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Netanya Bernitz
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanya J. Kerr
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wynand J. Goosen
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Josephine Chileshe
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Roxanne L. Higgitt
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eduard O. Roos
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christina Meiring
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rachiel Gumbo
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Candice de Waal
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charlene Clarke
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katrin Smith
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Samantha Goldswain
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Taschnica T. Sylvester
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anzaan Dippenaar
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter E. Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
| | | | | | - Robin M. Warren
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paul D. van Helden
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sven D. C. Parsons
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michele A. Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Kerr TJ, Goosen WJ, Gumbo R, de Klerk-Lorist LM, Pretorius O, Buss PE, Kleynhans L, Lyashchenko KP, Warren RM, van Helden PD, Miller MA. Diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in free-ranging common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:378-384. [PMID: 33423384 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection, is a multi-host disease which negatively affects the wildlife industry, with adverse consequences for conservation, ecotourism, and game/wildlife sales. Although interspecies transmission has been reported between some wildlife hosts, the risk of spread in complex ecosystems is largely unknown. As a controlled disease, tools for accurate detection of M. bovis infection are crucial for effective surveillance and management, especially in wildlife populations. There are, however, limited species-specific diagnostic tests available for wildlife. Hippopotamuses are rarely tested for M. bovis infection, and infection has not previously been confirmed in these species. In this study, blood and tissue samples collected from common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) residing in a bTB-endemic area, the Greater Kruger Protected area (GKPA), were retrospectively screened to determine whether there was evidence for interspecies transmission of M. bovis, and identify tools for M. bovis detection in this species. Using the multi-species DPP® VetTB serological assay, a bTB seroprevalence of 8% was found in hippopotamus from GKPA. In addition, the first confirmed case of M. bovis infection in a free-ranging common hippopotamus is reported, based on the isolation in mycobacterial culture, genetic speciation and detection of DNA in tissue samples. Importantly, the M. bovis spoligotype (SB0121) isolated from this common hippopotamus is shared with other M. bovis-infected hosts in GKPA, suggesting interspecies transmission. These results support the hypothesis that M. bovis infection may be under recognized in hippopotamus. Further investigation is needed to determine the risk of interspecies transmission of M. bovis to common hippopotamus in bTB-endemic ecosystems and evaluate serological and other diagnostic tools in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya J Kerr
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wynand J Goosen
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rachiel Gumbo
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lin-Mari de Klerk-Lorist
- Skukuza State Veterinary Office, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Oonagh Pretorius
- Bushbuckridge South State Veterinary Office, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mkhuhlu, South Africa
| | - Peter E Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Robin M Warren
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paul D van Helden
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michele A Miller
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Dwyer RA, Witte C, Buss P, Goosen WJ, Miller M. Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Multi-Host Wildlife Systems: Implications for Black ( Diceros bicornis) and White ( Ceratotherium simum) Rhinoceros. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:580476. [PMID: 33330701 PMCID: PMC7672123 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.580476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of tuberculosis (TB) resulting from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) have been recorded in captive white (Ceratotherium simum) and black (Diceros bicornis) rhinoceros. More recently, cases have been documented in free-ranging populations of both species in bovine tuberculosis (bTB) endemic areas of South Africa. There is limited information on risk factors and transmission patterns for MTBC infections in African rhinoceros, however, extrapolation from literature on MTBC infections in other species and multi-host systems provides a foundation for understanding TB epidemiology in rhinoceros species. Current diagnostic tests include blood-based immunoassays but distinguishing between subclinical and active infections remains challenging due to the lack of diagnostic techniques. In other species, demographic risk factors for MTBC infection include sex and age, where males and adults are generally at higher risk than females and younger individuals. Limited available historical information reflects similar age- and sex-associated patterns for TB in captive black and white rhinoceros, with more reports of MTBC-associated disease in black rhinoceros than in white rhinoceros. The degree of MTBC exposure in susceptible wildlife depends on their level of interaction, either directly with other infected individuals or indirectly through MTBC contaminated environments, which is dependent on the presence and abundance of infected reservoir hosts and the amount of MTBC shed in their excreta. Captive African rhinoceros have shown evidence of MTBC shedding, and although infection levels are low in free-ranging rhinoceros, there is a risk for intraspecies transmission. Free-ranging rhinoceros in bTB endemic areas may be exposed to MTBC from other infected host species, such as the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), through shared environmental niches, and resource co-utilization. This review describes current knowledge and information gaps regarding the epidemiology of TB in African rhinoceros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Dwyer
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carmel Witte
- Disease Investigations, San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Wynand J Goosen
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michele Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Science and Innovation - National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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