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Rajbhandari RM, de la Fuente J, Karmacharya D, Mathema S, Maharjan B, Dixit SM, Shrestha N, Queirós J, Gortázar C, Alves PC. Understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in elephants through a One Health approach: a systematic review. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:262. [PMID: 35794608 PMCID: PMC9258206 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03356-8] [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: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) that causes the chronic infectious disease- tuberculosis (TB), often presents with a complicated epidemiological pattern where the transmission chain may include humans, domestic animals and wildlife, including elephants. TB has been reported globally in both captive and wild elephants. The One Health approach might be the most effective way of understanding the shared MTC infection dynamics in captive and wild animals like Asian elephants. This systematic review accumulates evidence on occurrence, transmission pathways, and preventive measures of TB in elephants from a One Health perspective. Results The prevalence of TB reported in elephant populations ranges from 0 to 23.33% and high prevalence’s are reported for elephants that are in close proximity to infected humans. The risk of elephant to human infection transmission increased significantly with exposure duration and contact with infected elephants. Some studies described the plausible TB transmission to captive elephants from other animals (wild and domestic), suggesting inter- and intra-species transmission. The results of this systematic review based on 27 relevant published works, suggest three overarching interrelated transmission pathways for M. tuberculosis infections in Asian elephants- i) humans and elephants, ii) other animals (wild or domestic) and elephants and iii) unclear sources of infection. Conclusions The progress made with new TB diagnostic tools provides multiple methods to choose from. However, lack of harmonization of TB testing in elephants and their human contacts remains a challenge to prevent TB in those animals. Routine TB screening among elephants and caretakers by setting up an occupational health program for early diagnosis of infection through combined efforts of public health, veterinary medicine, and occupational health experts is suggested. This implies the need for a One Health approach to elephant TB control. This review reveals the need for more research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex transmission pathways at the human-animal interface.
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2
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Marinaik CB, Sha AA, Manjunatha V, Shylaja S, Rathnamma D, Rizwan A, Nagaraja K. Isolation, Characterization, and Drug Sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Captive Sloth Bears ( Melursus ursinus): Unnatural Habitat With Human Environment May Predispose Sloth Bears to Tuberculosis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:844208. [PMID: 35529839 PMCID: PMC9069131 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.844208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the isolation, molecular characterization, and drug sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis recovered from lung tissues of four rescued captive sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Bangalore, India. These bears had lived most of their life with humans in circus companies. They were rescued and housed in the Bear Rescue Center (BRC) of BBP. Upon rescue, they showed signs of unthriftiness, chronic debility, and failed to respond to symptomatic treatments. Over the period of the next 12–14 months, the four sloth bears died and the post-mortem examination revealed nodular lesions in the lungs that showed the presence of acid-fast bacilli. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture, and nucleotide sequencing confirmed the bacilli as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Histopathology of the lungs revealed characteristic granulomatous reaction with caseation. We determined the sensitivity of these isolates to rifampicin and isoniazid drugs by a WHO approved test, Line Probe Assay (LPA) using Genotype MTBDRplus VER 2.0. We discuss the role of unnatural habitat with the human environment in predisposing captive sloth bears for tuberculosis (TB). In the absence of any other reliable ante-mortem diagnostic test, this study recommends the use of LPA for early detection of TB in captive wild animals, which will help in taking necessary steps to prevent its further spread to animal caretakers and other susceptible animals in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arun A Sha
- Bear Rescue Centre, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore, India
| | | | - S Shylaja
- Veterinary College, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Apsana Rizwan
- Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bangalore, India
| | - K Nagaraja
- Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bangalore, India
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3
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Fagre AC, Cohen LE, Eskew EA, Farrell M, Glennon E, Joseph MB, Frank HK, Ryan SJ, Carlson CJ, Albery GF. Assessing the risk of human-to-wildlife pathogen transmission for conservation and public health. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:1534-1549. [PMID: 35318793 PMCID: PMC9313783 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has led to increased concern over transmission of pathogens from humans to animals, and its potential to threaten conservation and public health. To assess this threat, we reviewed published evidence of human‐to‐wildlife transmission events, with a focus on how such events could threaten animal and human health. We identified 97 verified examples, involving a wide range of pathogens; however, reported hosts were mostly non‐human primates or large, long‐lived captive animals. Relatively few documented examples resulted in morbidity and mortality, and very few led to maintenance of a human pathogen in a new reservoir or subsequent “secondary spillover” back into humans. We discuss limitations in the literature surrounding these phenomena, including strong evidence of sampling bias towards non‐human primates and human‐proximate mammals and the possibility of systematic bias against reporting human parasites in wildlife, both of which limit our ability to assess the risk of human‐to‐wildlife pathogen transmission. We outline how researchers can collect experimental and observational evidence that will expand our capacity for risk assessment for human‐to‐wildlife pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Fagre
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.,Bat Health Foundation, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lily E Cohen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Department of Biology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Max Farrell
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Glennon
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maxwell B Joseph
- Earth Lab, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Hannah K Frank
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisina, USA
| | - Sadie J Ryan
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation (QDEC) Lab Group, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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4
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Harouna Hamidou Z, Mamadou S, Saad J. Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensu stricto in the soil of Niger. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 44:100939. [PMID: 34621525 PMCID: PMC8479474 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex is comprising of pathogenic mycobacteria responsible for human and animal tuberculosis, a major public health problem in Niger. Although infected individuals are paramount sources of contamination, nevertheless alternative, neglected sources may play some role in minority forms of the infection. Accordingly, we investigated the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in soil samples in Niger. A total of 103 soil samples were collected in six different areas in Niger in October and November 2018 and April and May 2020 from residential areas of tuberculosis patients. Screening PCR targeting M. tuberculosis complex CRISPR-Csm4 and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay were applied to detect the M. tuberculosis complex. M. tuberculosis DNA was positively detected in five of 103 (5/103; 4.8%) soil samples (Dosso: one sample, Zinder: one sample and Niamey: three samples) using the CRISPR-Csm4 system. CRISPR-Csm4 gene sequence identified four M. tuberculosis sensu stricto (may be lineages 1, 3 or 4) and one M. tuberculosis L2 lineage (Beijing). Moreover, the five positive samples were confirmed by Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay as rifampicin-susceptible M. tuberculosis complex strains. However, culture remained negative after 42 days. In this study, we announced for the first time the presence of M. tuberculosis sensu stricto in the soil of Niger. Moreover, these detected lineages were identical to the dominant M. tuberculosis lineages in patients. The presence of common lineages of M. tuberculosis between the soil and human highlight the risk of transmission from the soil to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Harouna Hamidou
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille-Université, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire National de Référence des IST/VIH et de la Tuberculose, Niamey, Niger
| | - S Mamadou
- Laboratoire National de Référence des IST/VIH et de la Tuberculose, Niamey, Niger
| | - J Saad
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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5
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Paudel S, Sreevatsan S. Tuberculosis in elephants: Origins and evidence of interspecies transmission. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2020; 123:101962. [PMID: 32741531 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2020.101962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating disease in elephants caused by either Mycobacterium tuberculosis or M. bovis. It is an ancient disease, and TB in elephants was first reported over two millennia ago in Sri Lanka. Outbreaks of TB worldwide, in captive and free-ranging elephant populations, have been recorded. Interspecies transmission of TB among elephants and humans has been confirmed in several geographic localities using spoligotyping, MIRU-VNTR analysis, and/or comparative genomics. Active surveillance of TB in wild and captive elephants and their handlers is necessary to prevent TB transmission at the elephant-human interface and to aid in the conservation of Asian and African elephants. In this review, we present an overview of diagnosis, reports of TB outbreaks in the past 25 years, TB in wild elephants, its transmission, and possible prevention and control strategies that can be applied at the elephant-human interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarad Paudel
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Srinand Sreevatsan
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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6
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Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Free-Ranging African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Kruger National Park, South Africa. J Wildl Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-12-292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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7
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Yoshida S, Suga S, Ishikawa S, Mukai Y, Tsuyuguchi K, Inoue Y, Yamamoto T, Wada T. Mycobacterium caprae Infection in Captive Borneo Elephant, Japan. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:1937-1940. [PMID: 30226170 PMCID: PMC6154153 DOI: 10.3201/eid2410.180018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, disseminated tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium caprae was diagnosed in a captive Borneo elephant in Japan. The bacterium was initially identified from clinical isolates. An isolate collected during a relapse showed isoniazid monoresistance and a codon 315 katG mutation.
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8
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Backues KA, Wiedner EB. Recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and management of tuberculosis,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, in elephants in human care. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/izy.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. A. Backues
- Tulsa Zoo 6421 East 36th Street North Tulsa Oklahoma 74115 USA
| | - E. B. Wiedner
- Hyrax Consulting, LLC Durango Colorado 81302‐4357 USA
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9
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Miller MA, Buss P, Roos EO, Hausler G, Dippenaar A, Mitchell E, van Schalkwyk L, Robbe-Austerman S, Waters WR, Sikar-Gang A, Lyashchenko KP, Parsons SDC, Warren R, van Helden P. Fatal Tuberculosis in a Free-Ranging African Elephant and One Health Implications of Human Pathogens in Wildlife. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:18. [PMID: 30788347 PMCID: PMC6373532 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) in humans is a global public health concern and the discovery of animal cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and disease, especially in multi-host settings, also has significant implications for public health, veterinary disease control, and conservation endeavors. This paper describes a fatal case of Mtb disease in a free-ranging African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in a high human TB burden region. Necropsy revealed extensive granulomatous pneumonia, from which Mtb was isolated and identified as a member of LAM3/F11 lineage; a common lineage found in humans in South Africa. These findings are contextualized within a framework of emerging Mtb disease in wildlife globally and highlights the importance of the One Health paradigm in addressing this anthroponotic threat to wildlife and the zoonotic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele A Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for TB Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Eduard O Roos
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for TB Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Guy Hausler
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for TB Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anzaan Dippenaar
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for TB Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emily Mitchell
- Department of Research and Scientific Services, National Zoological Gardens, South African Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.,Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Louis van Schalkwyk
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Skukuza State Veterinary Office, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Suelee Robbe-Austerman
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - W Ray Waters
- National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | | | | | - Sven D C Parsons
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for TB Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin Warren
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for TB Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paul van Helden
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for TB Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Serodiagnosis of elephant tuberculosis: a useful tool for early identification of infected elephants at the captive-wild interface. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-018-1229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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11
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Zachariah A, Pandiyan J, Madhavilatha GK, Mundayoor S, Chandramohan B, Sajesh PK, Santhosh S, Mikota SK. Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Wild Asian Elephants, Southern India. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:504-506. [PMID: 28221104 PMCID: PMC5382741 DOI: 10.3201/eid2303.161741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested 3 ild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in southern India and confirmed infection in 3 animals with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an obligate human pathogen, by PCR and genetic sequencing. Our results indicate that tuberculosis may be spilling over from humans (reverse zoonosis) and emerging in wild elephants.
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12
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Chandranaik BM, Shivashankar BP, Umashankar KS, Nandini P, Giridhar P, Byregowda SM, Shrinivasa BM. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Free-Roaming Wild Asian Elephant. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:555-557. [PMID: 28221114 PMCID: PMC5382756 DOI: 10.3201/eid2303.161439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem examination of a wild Asian elephant at Rajiv Gandhi National Park, India, revealed nodular lesions, granulomas with central caseation, and acid-fast bacilli in the lungs. PCR and nucleotide sequencing confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study indicates that wild elephants can harbor M. tuberculosis that can become fatal.
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13
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Bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in elephants. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:481-488. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818000122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTuberculosis (TB) has been known to affect elephants for thousands of years. It was put into spotlight when few circus elephants were diagnosed carryingMycobacterium(M.)tuberculosis. Because of the zoonotic risk and high susceptibility toM. tuberculosis, periodic testing was enacted since, in captive breeding programmes. Presently, trunk wash is the recommended diagnostic procedure for TB. Trunk wash, however, puts the operator at risk, has low sensitivity, and is prone to contamination. Here, bronchoalveolar lavage is described for the first time for TB diagnosis in elephants. Bronchial, trunk and mouth fluids were investigated using bacterial culture,M. tuberculosiscomplex (MTC)-specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and mycobacterial genus-specific qPCR for overall presence of mycobacteria or mycobacterial DNA including bacteria or DNA of closely related genera, respectively, in 14 elephants. Neither bacteria of the MTC nor their DNA were identified in any of the elephants. Yet, 25% of the cultures grew non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) or closely related bacterial species. Furthermore, 85% of the samples contained DNA of NTM or closely related bacterial genera. This finding might explain continued false-positive results from various serological tests. From a zoonotic point of view, bronchoalveolar lavage is safer for the testing personal, has higher probability of capturing MTC and, through PCR, identifies DNA NTM in elephants. Yet, necessary endoscopic equipment, animal sedation and access to a TB reference laboratory might pose challenging requirements in remote conditions in some elephant range countries.
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14
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Rosen LE, Hanyire TG, Dawson J, Foggin CM, Michel AL, Huyvaert KP, Miller MA, Olea-Popelka FJ. Tuberculosis serosurveillance and management practices of captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:e344-e354. [PMID: 29143466 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Transfrontier conservation areas represent an international effort to encourage conservation and sustainable development. Their success faces a number of challenges, including disease management in wildlife, livestock and humans. Tuberculosis (TB) affects humans and a multitude of non-human animal species and is of particular concern in sub-Saharan Africa. The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area encompasses five countries, including Zimbabwe, and is home to the largest contiguous population of free-ranging elephants in Africa. Elephants are known to be susceptible to TB; thus, understanding TB status, exposure and transmission risks to and from elephants in this area is of interest for both conservation and human health. To assess risk factors for TB seroprevalence, a questionnaire was used to collect data regarding elephant management at four ecotourism facilities offering elephant-back tourist rides in the Victoria Falls area of Zimbabwe. Thirty-five working African elephants were screened for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex antibodies using the ElephantTB Stat-Pak and the DPP VetTB Assay for elephants. Six of 35 elephants (17.1%) were seropositive. The risk factor most important for seropositive status was time in captivity. This is the first study to assess TB seroprevalence and risk factors in working African elephants in their home range. Our findings will provide a foundation to develop guidelines to protect the health of captive and free-ranging elephants in the southern African context, as well as elephant handlers through simple interventions. Minimizing exposure through shared feed with other wildlife, routine TB testing of elephant handlers and regular serological screening of elephants are recommended as preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Rosen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - T G Hanyire
- Wildlife Veterinary Unit, Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J Dawson
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - C M Foggin
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - A L Michel
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - K P Huyvaert
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - M A Miller
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - F J Olea-Popelka
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Research Group, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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15
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Yakubu Y, Ong BL, Zakaria Z, Hassan L, Mutalib AR, Ngeow YF, Verasahib K, Razak MFAA. Evidence and potential risk factors of tuberculosis among captive Asian elephants and wildlife staff in Peninsular Malaysia. Prev Vet Med 2016; 125:147-53. [PMID: 26775804 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Elephant tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important re-emerging zoonosis with considerable conservation and public health risk. We conducted prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies in elephants and wildlife staff respectively in order to identify potential risk factors associated with TB in captive Asian elephants and their handlers in Peninsular Malaysia. Sixty elephants in six different facilities were screened for TB longitudinally using the ElephantTB STAT-PAK and DPP VetTB assays from February 2012 to May 2014, and 149 wildlife staff were examined for tuberculosis infection using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT) assay from January to April, 2012. Information on potential risk factors associated with infection in both elephants and staff were collected using questionnaires and facility records. The overall seroprevalence of TB amongst the elephants was 23.3% (95% CI: 13.8-36.3) and the risk of seroconversion was significantly higher among elephants with assigned mahouts [p=0.022, OR=4.9 (95% CI: 1.3-18.2)]. The percentage of QFT responders among wildlife staff was 24.8% (95% CI: 18.3-32.7) and the risk of infection was observed to be significantly associated with being a zoo employee [p=0.018, OR=2.7 (95% CI: 1.2-6.3)] or elephant handler [p=0.035, OR=4.1 (95% CI: 1.1-15.5)]. These findings revealed a potential risk of TB infection in captive elephants and handlers in Malaysia, and emphasize the need for TB screening of newly acquired elephants, isolating sero-positive elephants and performing further diagnostic tests to determine their infection status, and screening elephant handlers for TB, pre- and post-employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Yakubu
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang Darul-Ehsan, Selangor 43400, Malaysia(1)(2)
| | - Bee Lee Ong
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang Darul-Ehsan, Selangor 43400, Malaysia(1)(2); Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Zunita Zakaria
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang Darul-Ehsan, Selangor 43400, Malaysia(1)(2)
| | - Latiffah Hassan
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang Darul-Ehsan, Selangor 43400, Malaysia(1)(2)
| | - Abdul Rahim Mutalib
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang Darul-Ehsan, Selangor 43400, Malaysia(1)(2)
| | - Yun Fong Ngeow
- Universiti Malaya Kuala Lumpur, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(3); Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Khebir Verasahib
- Ministry of Health, 62590 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
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16
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Diagnosis and management of tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) with a newborn calf. J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:77-85. [PMID: 25831579 DOI: 10.1638/2014-0024r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2006, five Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) were imported to Taronga Zoo, Australia, from Thailand. Pre-import and initial postarrival tuberculosis screening was performed by trunk wash (TW) culture and was negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In April 2009, the ElephantTB STAT-PAK (SP) assay was used to test the elephants. A 15.5-yr-old pregnant cow was reactive. TW frequency for this cow was increased from annually to quarterly. TW cultures remained negative on all other elephants. In February 2010, the Dual Path Platform (DPP) VetTB assay was used for the first time, and the SP-reactive cow also reacted on the DPP. A SP was run concurrently and was reactive. All other elephants were nonreactive on both assays. Treatment was not initiated due to concern about the effect of antituberculous drugs on the fetus. Quarterly TW cultures continued. The cow gave birth on 2 November 2010. A routine TW on 24 November 2010 was culture positive for M. tuberculosis. Although previous shedding could not be ruled out, reactivation of latent infection or exacerbation of subclinical disease due to parturition was suspected. Treatment with isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampicin, and ethambutol commenced. A 12-mo treatment course was completed within a 15-mo period. The isolate was susceptible to these drugs and genotyped as a Beijing strain. Stored serum samples from 2004 and 2006 were tested retrospectively and were reactive on SP and DPP. TW, SP, and DPP screening frequency increased to monthly for the positive cow on commencement of treatment in January 2011. Monthly serum biochemistry indicated drug-induced hepatitis. Therapeutic drug monitoring was conducted to ensure therapeutic levels were achieved. The infant calf was reactive on DPP, but TW culture negative, and was not treated. Serial DPP results for the cow and calf during and after treatment indicated that the antibody levels were declining, suggesting a favorable response to therapy in the dam, and that the origin of the antibodies in the calf were maternal, rather than a response to infection.
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Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) in elephants has been described since ancient times. However, it was not until 1996 when infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in a herd of circus elephants that significant research into this disease began. The epidemiology and natural history of TB were unknown in elephants since there had been no comprehensive screening programs, and diagnostic techniques developed for cervidae and bovidae were of unknown value. And, while precepts of test and slaughter were the norm for cattle and deer, this was considered untenable for an endangered species. With no precedent for the treatment of TB in animals, treatment regimens for elephants were extrapolated from human protocols, which guided changes to the Guidelines for the Control of Tuberculosis in Elephants. In the absence of diagnostic testing to confirm cure in elephants, the efficacy of these treatment regimens is only beginning to be understood as treated elephants die and are examined postmortem. However, because of pressures arising from public relations related to elephant husbandry and the added considerations of TB infection in animals (whether real or imagined), sharing of information to aid in research and treatment has been problematic. Here we review the challenges and successes of the diagnosis of tuberculosis in elephants and discuss the natural history of the disease to put the work of Landolfi et al on the immunological response to tuberculosis in elephants in perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. N. Maslow
- Chief Division of Infectious Diseases, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ, USA
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Tuberculosis surveillance of elephants (Elephas maximus) in Nepal at the captive-wild interface. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-014-0890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Gebreyes WA, Dupouy-Camet J, Newport MJ, Oliveira CJB, Schlesinger LS, Saif YM, Kariuki S, Saif LJ, Saville W, Wittum T, Hoet A, Quessy S, Kazwala R, Tekola B, Shryock T, Bisesi M, Patchanee P, Boonmar S, King LJ. The global one health paradigm: challenges and opportunities for tackling infectious diseases at the human, animal, and environment interface in low-resource settings. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3257. [PMID: 25393303 PMCID: PMC4230840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic infectious diseases have been an important concern to humankind for more than 10,000 years. Today, approximately 75% of newly emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are zoonoses that result from various anthropogenic, genetic, ecologic, socioeconomic, and climatic factors. These interrelated driving forces make it difficult to predict and to prevent zoonotic EIDs. Although significant improvements in environmental and medical surveillance, clinical diagnostic methods, and medical practices have been achieved in the recent years, zoonotic EIDs remain a major global concern, and such threats are expanding, especially in less developed regions. The current Ebola epidemic in West Africa is an extreme stark reminder of the role animal reservoirs play in public health and reinforces the urgent need for globally operationalizing a One Health approach. The complex nature of zoonotic diseases and the limited resources in developing countries are a reminder that the need for implementation of Global One Health in low-resource settings is crucial. The Veterinary Public Health and Biotechnology (VPH-Biotec) Global Consortium launched the International Congress on Pathogens at the Human-Animal Interface (ICOPHAI) in order to address important challenges and needs for capacity building. The inaugural ICOPHAI (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2011) and the second congress (Porto de Galinhas, Brazil, 2013) were unique opportunities to share and discuss issues related to zoonotic infectious diseases worldwide. In addition to strong scientific reports in eight thematic areas that necessitate One Health implementation, the congress identified four key capacity-building needs: (1) development of adequate science-based risk management policies, (2) skilled-personnel capacity building, (3) accredited veterinary and public health diagnostic laboratories with a shared database, and (4) improved use of existing natural resources and implementation. The aim of this review is to highlight advances in key zoonotic disease areas and the One Health capacity needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wondwossen A. Gebreyes
- Global Health Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University and VPH-Biotec Global Consortium, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jean Dupouy-Camet
- Department of Parasitology, Hôspital Cochin, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Melanie J. Newport
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Celso J. B. Oliveira
- College of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil (CCA/UFPB), Areia, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Larry S. Schlesinger
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Center for Microbial Interface Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Yehia M. Saif
- Food Animal Health Research Program, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Samuel Kariuki
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda J. Saif
- Food Animal Health Research Program, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - William Saville
- Global Health Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University and VPH-Biotec Global Consortium, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Thomas Wittum
- Global Health Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University and VPH-Biotec Global Consortium, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Armando Hoet
- Global Health Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University and VPH-Biotec Global Consortium, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sylvain Quessy
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Rudovick Kazwala
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Berhe Tekola
- United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Shryock
- Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael Bisesi
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | | | - Lonnie J. King
- Global Health Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University and VPH-Biotec Global Consortium, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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Landolfi JA, Terio KA, Miller M, Junecko BF, Reinhart T. Pulmonary tuberculosis in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): histologic lesions with correlation to local immune responses. Vet Pathol 2014; 52:535-42. [PMID: 25228055 DOI: 10.1177/0300985814548517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is an important health concern for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), no studies have evaluated the associated local immune responses or histologic lesions. In primates including humans, latent tuberculosis is distinguished by well-organized granulomas with TH1 cytokine expression, whereas active disease is characterized by poorly organized inflammation and local imbalance in TH1/TH2 cytokines. This study examined archival, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung samples from 5 tuberculosis-negative and 9 tuberculosis-positive Asian elephants. Lesions were assessed by light microscopy, and lymphoid infiltrates were characterized by CD3 and CD20 immunolabeling. Expression of TH1 (interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and TH2 (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor [TGF]-β) cytokines was determined using in situ hybridization. In 6 of 9 samples, inflammation was similar to the pattern of primate active disease with low to moderate numbers of lymphocytes, most of which were CD20 positive. In 1 sample, inflammation was most similar to latent tuberculosis in primates with numerous CD3-positive lymphocytes. Expression of IFN-γ was detected in 3 of 8 tuberculosis-positive samples. Expression of TNF-α was detected in 3 of 8 positive samples, including the one with latent morphology. Low-level expression of IL-4 was present in 4 of 8 positive samples. Only single positive samples displayed expression of IL-10 and TGF-β. Tuberculosis-negative samples generally lacked cytokine expression. Results showed heterogeneity in lesions of elephant tuberculosis similar to those of latent and active disease in primates, with variable expression of both TH1 and TH2 cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Landolfi
- University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - K A Terio
- University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - M Miller
- DST/MRC Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - B F Junecko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - T Reinhart
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
SUMMARY Tuberculosis (TB) in elephants has the potential to infect humans and is an increasing public health concern. Lao PDR is one of the last countries where elephants are still used for timber extraction and where they live in close contact with their mahouts. There are 500 animals at work in the country, some interacting with wild herds. Although human TB prevalence is known to be high in Laos, studies on elephant TB had yet to be undertaken. From January to July 2012, screening was performed using the ElephantTB Stat-Pak assay on 80 elephants working around the Nam Pouy National Park in Sayaboury Province. This represents more than 18% of the total registered national working elephant population. Here we report that 36% of the elephants were seroreactive to the test. Of these, 31% had contacts with wild individuals, which suggests potential transmission of mycobacteria to the local wild herds. Clinical examination, chest X-rays, sputum microscopy and culture were performed on their 142 mahouts or owners. Despite high TB seroreactivity in elephants, no participant was smear- or culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis or M. bovis, although atypical mycobacteria were isolated from 4% of participants.
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Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from elephants of Nepal. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2014; 94:287-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kock R. Drivers of disease emergence and spread: is wildlife to blame? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 81:E1-4. [PMID: 25005349 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v81i2.739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The global focus on wildlife as a major contributor to emerging pathogens and infectious diseases (EIDs) in humans and domestic animals is not based on field, experimental or dedicated research, but mostly on limited surveys of literature, opinion and the assumption that biodiversity harbours pathogens. The perceived and direct impacts of wildlife, from being a reservoir of certain human and livestock pathogens and as a risk to health, are frequently overstated when compared to the Global burden of disease statistics available from WHO, OIE and FAO. However organisms that evolve in wildlife species can and do spill-over into human landscapes and humans and domestic animal population and, where these organisms adapt to surviving and spreading amongst livestock and humans, these emerging infections can have significant consequences. Drivers for the spill-over of pathogens or evolution of organisms from wildlife reservoirs to become pathogens of humans and domestic animals are varied but almost without exception poorly researched. The changing demographics, spatial distribution and movements, associated landscape modifications (especially agricultural) and behavioural changes involving human and domestic animal populations are probably the core drivers of the apparent increasing trend in emergence of new pathogens and infectious diseases over recent decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kock
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College.
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Ghodbane R, Drancourt M. Non-human sources of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2013; 93:589-95. [PMID: 24119770 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a successful pathogen responsible for the vast majority of deadly tuberculosis cases in humans. It rests in a dormant form in contaminated people who constitute the reservoir with airborne interhuman transmission during pulmonary tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis is therefore regarded majoritary as a human pathogen. Here, we review the evidence for anthroponotic M. tuberculosis infection in non-human primates, other mammals and psittacines. Some infected animals may be sources for zoonotic tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis, with wild life trade and zoos being amplifying factors. Moreover, living animals and cadavers can scatter M. tuberculosis in the environment where it could survive for extended periods of time in soil where amoebae could play a role. Although marginal in the epidemiology of human tuberculosis, these data indicate that M. tuberculosis is not uniquely adapted to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Ghodbane
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, 13005 Marseille, France
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