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Martin LC, O'Hare MA, Ghielmetti G, Twesigomwe D, Kerr TJ, Gumbo R, Buss PE, Kitchin N, Hemmings SMJ, Miller MA, Goosen WJ. Short-read full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing for characterisation of the respiratory bacteriome of captive and free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Sci Rep 2024; 14:14768. [PMID: 38926469 PMCID: PMC11208578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65841-4] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypervariable region sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene plays a critical role in microbial ecology by offering insights into bacterial communities within specific niches. While providing valuable genus-level information, its reliance on data from targeted genetic regions limits its overall utility. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have enabled characterisation of the full-length 16S rRNA gene, enhancing species-level classification. Although current short-read platforms are cost-effective and precise, they lack full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing capability. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a modified 150 bp paired-end full-length 16S rRNA amplicon short-read sequencing technique on the Illumina iSeq 100 and 16S rRNA amplicon assembly workflow by utilising a standard mock microbial community and subsequently performing exploratory characterisation of captive (zoo) and free-ranging African elephant (Loxodonta africana) respiratory microbiota. Our findings demonstrate that, despite generating assembled amplicons averaging 869 bp in length, this sequencing technique provides taxonomic assignments consistent with the theoretical composition of the mock community and respiratory microbiota of other mammals. Tentative bacterial signatures, potentially representing distinct respiratory tract compartments (trunk and lower respiratory tract) were visually identified, necessitating further investigation to gain deeper insights into their implication for elephant physiology and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Michaela A O'Hare
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Giovanni Ghielmetti
- 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
| | - David Twesigomwe
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tanya J Kerr
- 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
| | - Rachiel Gumbo
- 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
| | - Peter E Buss
- South African National Parks, Veterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Natasha Kitchin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian M J Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michele A Miller
- 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
| | - Wynand J Goosen
- 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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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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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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Conserving rhinoceros in the face of disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206438119. [PMID: 35714286 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206438119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Goosen WJ, Clarke C, Kleynhans L, Kerr TJ, Buss P, Miller MA. Culture-Independent PCR Detection and Differentiation of Mycobacteria spp. in Antemortem Respiratory Samples from African Elephants ( Loxodonta Africana) and Rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium Simum, Diceros Bicornis) in South Africa. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060709. [PMID: 35745564 PMCID: PMC9230505 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since certain Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members, such as M. bovis, are endemic in specific South African wildlife reserves and zoos, cases of clinically important nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in wildlife may be neglected. Additionally, due to the inability of tests to differentiate between the host responses to MTBC and NTM, the diagnosis of MTBC may be confounded by the presence of NTMs. This may hinder control efforts. These constraints highlight the need for enhanced rapid detection and differentiation methods for MTBC and NTM, especially in high MTBC burden areas. We evaluated the use of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra, the Hain CMdirect V1.0 line probe assay, and novel amplicon sequencing PCRs targeting the mycobacterial rpoB and ku gene targets, directly on antemortem African elephant (n = 26) bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (n = 22) and trunk washes (n = 21) and rhinoceros (n = 23) BALF (n = 23), with known MTBC culture-positive and NTM culture-positive results. Our findings suggest that the Ultra is the most sensitive diagnostic test for MTBC DNA detection directly in raw antemortem respiratory specimens and that the rpoB PCR is ideal for Mycobacterium genus DNA detection and species identification through amplicon sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynand J. Goosen
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (C.C.); (L.K.); (T.J.K.); (M.A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlene Clarke
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (C.C.); (L.K.); (T.J.K.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (C.C.); (L.K.); (T.J.K.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Tanya J. Kerr
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (C.C.); (L.K.); (T.J.K.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, South African National Parks, Skukuza 1350, South Africa;
| | - Michele A. Miller
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (C.C.); (L.K.); (T.J.K.); (M.A.M.)
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Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in free-ranging rhinoceros in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120656119. [PMID: 35666877 PMCID: PMC9214499 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120656119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
African rhinoceros survival is threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and climate effects. The presence of Mycobacterium bovis in wild populations creates an additional potential threat to health and conservation programs. This study reports a large survey of M. bovis infection in free-ranging rhinoceros. Our findings confirm a widespread, high infection burden in the rhinoceros population of Kruger National Park, South Africa and identify risk factors for infection. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the spread of bovine tuberculosis in complex ecosystems. This study reflects the complexity of investigating a multihost pathogen in a previously naïve system. It provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the global impact that tuberculosis can have on animal populations, food security, and conservation. Mycobacterium bovis infection, which is a prominent cause of bovine tuberculosis, has been confirmed by mycobacterial culture in African rhinoceros species in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. In this population-based study of the epidemiology of M. bovis in 437 African rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis, Ceratotherium simum), we report an estimated prevalence of 15.4% (95% CI: 10.4 to 21.0%), based on results from mycobacterial culture and an antigen-specific interferon gamma release assay from animals sampled between 2016 and 2020. A significant spatial cluster of cases was detected near the southwestern park border, although infection was widely distributed. Multivariable logistic regression models, including demographic and spatiotemporal variables, showed a significant, increasing probability of M. bovis infection in white rhinoceros based on increased numbers of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) herds in the vicinity of the rhinoceros sampling location. Since African buffaloes are important maintenance hosts for M. bovis in KNP, spillover of infection from these hosts to white rhinoceros sharing the environment is suspected. There was also a significantly higher proportion of M. bovis infection in black rhinoceros in the early years of the study (2016–2018) than in 2019 and 2020, which coincided with periods of intense drought, although other temporal factors could be implicated. Species of rhinoceros, age, and sex were not identified as risk factors for M. bovis infection. These study findings provide a foundation for further epidemiological investigation of M. bovis, a multihost pathogen, in a complex ecosystem that includes susceptible species that are threatened and endangered.
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Hussain R, Jamal A, Ahmed Z, Mohamed BB, Siddique AB, Khan I, Mansoor MK, Du X, Khan A. Pathological, Histological, and Molecular Based Investigations Confirm Novel Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Boselaphus tragocamelus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7601463. [PMID: 35692585 PMCID: PMC9184207 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7601463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) being the main cause of animal tuberculosis is a complex infectious agent and can be a cause of zoonotic tuberculosis zoonosis in public health. To date, the uncommon infection in public health due to M. bovis still is a great challenge to both veterinary and medical professions and requires a careful diagnosis and confirmation of the bacterium. Therefore, this study for the first time reports the clinical, gross, histopathological, and molecular based confirmation of M. bovis infection in wildlife animals (nilgai). Prior to death, the morbid animal showed severe pneumonic ailments like moist cough, thick nasal exudates, and dyspnoea. At necropsy, enlargement of mandibular cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes was observed. Different macroscopic lesions such as congestion and hyperaemia, creamy white and catarrhal exudates in trachea, consolidation, grey and red hepatisation of lungs, and micro- and macrogranulomatous tubercles containing caseous materials in lungs were observed. The heart of morbid animal showed congestions, myocarditis, and a copious amount of straw-colored fluid in the pericardial sac. At the microscopic level, lungs indicated granulomatous inflammatory response, presence of multinucleated giant cells, fibrosis, and punctuation of alveoli with chronic inflammatory cells. Histopathological examination of various sections of the heart of the infected animal showed chronic inflammatory response consisting of chronic inflammatory cells like monocyte, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts along with noncalcified eosinophilic materials. At the molecular level, M. bovis infection was confirmed in various tissues like the heart, lungs, cervical, and mesenteric lymph nodes in morbid animals. In conclusion, based on our results, it can be suggested that more molecular based epidemiological studies are crucial to know the exact cause of pulmonary and cervical tuberculosis in wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riaz Hussain
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Adil Jamal
- Sciences and Research, College of Nursing, Umm Al Qura University, 715 Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zulfiqar Ahmed
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | | | - Abu Baker Siddique
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Iahtasham Khan
- Section of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Sub-Campus Jhang, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khalid Mansoor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur-63100, Pakistan
| | - Xiaoxia Du
- Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Ahrar Khan
- Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang 261061, China
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
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Siddique AB, Hussain R, Jamal A, Hossain MB, Ahmad Z, Mansoor MK, Khan I, Zahra K, Khan A. Histopathological Investigations and Molecular Confirmation Reveal Mycobacterium bovis in One-Horned Rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros unicorns). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5816986. [PMID: 35647178 PMCID: PMC9132650 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5816986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis causes tuberculosis in dairy and wild animals. Presence of tuberculosis in animals poses a threat not only to their herd mates but also for public. No reports are available about the clinical, pathological, and molecular investigation of naturally occurring tuberculosis (TB) due to M. bovis in one-horned rhinoceros. One-horned female rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicorns) at the age of 41 years died in a public park in Pakistan. Postmortem and other investigations were carried out to know the cause of death. The present study describes necropsy, histopathology, and molecular-based confirmation of TB in a captive female rhinoceros that died of this infection. Clinically, the rhinoceros showed nonspecific clinical signs including anorexia, lethargy, dyspnoea, coughing, and sudden death. At necropsy, the trachea exhibited mild congestion and contained catarrhal exudate at the bronchial bifurcation. Macroscopic examination revealed characteristic tubercles on all parenchymatous organs. The lungs showed consolidation, grey hepatization, and contained granulomatous lesions packed with cheesy exudate. Histopathological examination showed severe pneumonic changes in the form of granulomatous inflammation consisting of lymphocytes, multinucleated giant cells, caseous materials, and mineralized foci surrounded by a fibrous capsule. PCR amplicon of 500 bp confirmed the presence of M. bovis in multiple hepatic and pulmonary tissue samples, as well as in uterine exudates. It was concluded that the presence of tuberculosis in rhinoceros may pose potential transmission risk to other animals and the application of practical tools to determine TB status in the rhinoceros is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Baker Siddique
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Riaz Hussain
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Adil Jamal
- Sciences and Research, College of Nursing, Umm Al Qura University, 715 Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Belal Hossain
- Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Zulfiqar Ahmad
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Baghdad-Ul-Jadeed Campus, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur-63100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khalid Mansoor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Iahtasham Khan
- Section of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Sub-Campus Jhang, Pakistan
| | - Kainat Zahra
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahrar Khan
- Shandong Vocational Animal Sciences and Veterinary College, Weifang 261061, China
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Sanyal A, Agarwal S, Ramakrishnan U, Garg KM, Chattopadhyay B. Using Environmental Sampling to Enable Zoonotic Pandemic Preparedness. J Indian Inst Sci 2022; 102:711-730. [PMID: 36093274 PMCID: PMC9449264 DOI: 10.1007/s41745-022-00322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic caused by the SARS CoV-2, tracing back its origin possibly to a coronavirus associated with bats, has ignited renewed interest in understanding zoonotic spillovers across the globe. While research is more directed towards solving the problem at hand by finding therapeutic strategies and novel vaccine techniques, it is important to address the environmental drivers of pathogen spillover and the complex biotic and abiotic drivers of zoonoses. The availability of cutting-edge genomic technologies has contributed enormously to preempt viral emergence from wildlife. However, there is still a dearth of studies from species-rich South Asian countries, especially from India. In this review, we outline the importance of studying disease dynamics through environmental sampling from wildlife in India and how ecological parameters of both the virus and the host community may play a role in mediating cross-species spillovers. Non-invasive sampling using feces, urine, shed hair, saliva, shed skin, and feathers has been instrumental in providing genetic information for both the host and their associated pathogens. Here, we discuss the advances made in environmental sampling protocols and strategies to generate genetic data from such samples towards the surveillance and characterization of potentially zoonotic pathogens. We primarily focus on bat-borne or small mammal-borne zoonoses and propose a conceptual framework for non-invasive strategies to tackle the threat of emerging zoonotic infections.
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Goosen WJ, Kleynhans L, Kerr TJ, van Helden PD, Buss P, Warren RM, Miller MA. Improved detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis in African wildlife samples using cationic peptide decontamination and mycobacterial culture supplementation. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:61-67. [PMID: 34510986 PMCID: PMC8688974 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211044192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In South Africa, mycobacterial culture is regarded as the gold standard for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection in wildlife even though it is regarded as “imperfect.” We compared a novel decontamination and mycobacterial culture technique (TiKa) to the conventional mycobacterium growth indicator tube (MGIT) system using known amounts of bacilli and clinical samples from MTBC-infected African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer), white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Use of the TiKa-KiC decontamination agent on samples spiked with 10,000 to 10 colony forming units (cfu) of M. bovis (SB0121) and M. tuberculosis (H37Rv) had no effect on isolate recovery in culture. In contrast, decontamination with MGIT MycoPrep resulted in no growth of M. bovis samples at concentrations < 1,000 cfu and M. tuberculosis samples < 100 cfu. Subsequently, we used the TiKa system with stored clinical samples (various lymphatic tissues) collected from wildlife and paucibacillary bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, trunk washes, and endotracheal tube washes from 3 species with known MTBC infections. Overall, MTBC recovery by culture was improved significantly (p < 0.01) by using TiKa compared to conventional MGIT, with 54 of 57 positive specimens versus 25 of 57 positive specimens, respectively. The TiKa mycobacterial growth system appears to significantly enhance the recovery of MTBC members from tissue and paucibacillary respiratory samples collected from African buffaloes, African elephants, and white rhinoceros. Moreover, the TiKa system may improve success of MTBC culture from various sample types previously deemed unculturable from other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynand J Goosen
- DSI-NRF 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
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- DSI-NRF 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
| | - Tanya J Kerr
- DSI-NRF 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
- DSI-NRF 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
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Robin M Warren
- DSI-NRF 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
- DSI-NRF 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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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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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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13
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Goosen WJ, Kerr TJ, Kleynhans L, Warren RM, van Helden PD, Persing DH, Parsons SDC, Buss P, Miller MA. The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Sci Rep 2020; 10:14482. [PMID: 32879401 PMCID: PMC7468236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The study describes the novel use of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA in samples from white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Culture negative respiratory sample matrices were spiked to determine if the Ultra could detect MTBC DNA in rhinoceros and elephant samples. Rhinoceros bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was found to have an inhibitory effect on the Ultra. In this study, the limit of detection (LOD) of M. tuberculosis H37Rv in all spiked animal samples were 2 CFU/ml compared to 15.6 CFU/ml for humans, while the LOD for M. bovis SB0121 was 30 CFU/ml compared to 143.4 CFU/ml for M. bovis BCG in humans. Screening was performed on stored tissue and respiratory samples from known MTBC-infected animals and MTBC DNA was detected in 92% of samples collected from six rhinoceros and two elephants. Conversely, 83% of culture-negative tissue and respiratory samples from uninfected animals tested negative on the Ultra. In conclusion, the Ultra assay appears to be a sensitive and rapid diagnostic test for the detection of MTBC DNA from tissue and respiratory samples collected from African elephants and rhinoceros. Furthermore, the Ultra assay could provide a new tool for the detection of MTBC in various sample types from other wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynand J Goosen
- DSI-NRF 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.
| | - Tanya J Kerr
- DSI-NRF 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
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- DSI-NRF 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
| | - Robin M Warren
- DSI-NRF 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
| | - Paul D van Helden
- DSI-NRF 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
| | | | - Sven D C Parsons
- DSI-NRF 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
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Michele A Miller
- DSI-NRF 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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14
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Goosen WJ, Kerr TJ, Kleynhans L, Buss P, Cooper D, Warren RM, van Helden PD, Schröder B, Parsons SDC, Miller MA. The VetMAX™ M. tuberculosis complex PCR kit detects MTBC DNA in antemortem and postmortem samples from white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer). BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:220. [PMID: 32600471 PMCID: PMC7325085 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine tuberculosis and tuberculosis are chronic infectious diseases caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members, Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. Infection with M. bovis and M. tuberculosis have significant implications for wildlife species management, public health, veterinary disease control, and conservation endeavours. RESULTS Here we describe the first use of the VetMAX™ Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection kit for African wildlife samples. DNA was extracted from tissues harvested from 48 African buffaloes and MTBC DNA was detected (test-positive) in all 26 M. bovis culture-confirmed animals with an additional 12 PCR-positive results in culture-negative buffaloes (originating from an exposed population). Of six MTBC-infected African rhinoceros tested, MTBC DNA was detected in antemortem and postmortem samples from five animals. The PCR was also able to detect MTBC DNA in samples from two African elephants confirmed to have M. bovis and M. tuberculosis infections (one each). Culture-confirmed uninfected rhinoceros and elephants' samples tested negative in the PCR assay. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest this new detection kit is a sensitive screening test for the detection of MTBC-infected African buffaloes, African elephants and white rhinoceros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynand J Goosen
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
| | - Tanya J Kerr
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Limpopo, South Africa
| | - David Cooper
- Enzemvelo KZN Wildlife, P.O. Box 25, Mtubatuba, 3935, South Africa
| | - Robin M Warren
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Paul D van Helden
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Björn Schröder
- Thermo Fisher Scientific; Prionics AG, Wagistrasse 27A; Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sven D C Parsons
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Michele A Miller
- DSI-NRF 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, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
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15
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Roux L, McCall AJ, Michel AL. Detection of native interferon-γ in nyala (Tragelaphus angasii): Towards diagnosing tuberculosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 86:e1-e3. [PMID: 31714142 PMCID: PMC6852497 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v86i1.1796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the main cause of tuberculosis in wildlife. In South Africa, African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are a wildlife maintenance host while a number of other species are considered spillover hosts. Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), a large antelope species from Southern Africa, is frequently traded and can be infected with M. bovis. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release assays that detect cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses to M. bovis infection have shown promise in elephants, rhinoceroses and buffaloes. The BOVIGAM® assay is a commercial IFN-γ release assay designed to detect tuberculosis in cattle and has been validated in buffaloes. We tested the suitability of the BOVIGAM® assay to detect native IFN-γ release in nyala. Blood samples collected from 17 nyalas were stimulated with different mitogens and IFN-γ release measured. We found that incubating whole blood with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore (PMA/CaI) resulted in the highest levels of IFN-y release. Samples stimulated with tuberculin purified protein derivatives of M. bovis (PPDb) and M. avium (PPDa) did not show significant IFN-γ production. An intradermal tuberculin test (IDT) and culture of tissues from 15 of the 17 culled nyala were also performed, which supported the findings of the BOVIGAM® assay, suggesting the potential value of this assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in nyala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lezaan Roux
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Research Programme, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort.
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Miller MA, Buss P, Parsons SD, Roos E, Chileshe J, Goosen WJ, van Schalkwyk L, de Klerk-Lorist LM, Hofmeyr M, Hausler G, Rossouw L, Manamela T, Mitchell EP, Warren R, van Helden P. Conservation of White Rhinoceroses Threatened by Bovine Tuberculosis, South Africa, 2016-2017. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:2373-2375. [PMID: 30457539 PMCID: PMC6256411 DOI: 10.3201/eid2412.180293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During 2016–2017, when Kruger National Park, South Africa, was under quarantine to limit bovine tuberculosis spread, we examined 35 white and 5 black rhinoceroses for infection. We found 6 infected white rhinoceroses during times of nutritional stress. Further research on Mycobacterium bovis pathogenesis in white rhinoceroses is needed.
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Miller MA, Buss P, Parsons SD, Roos E, Chileshe J, Goosen WJ, van Schalkwyk L, de Klerk-Lorist LM, Hofmeyr M, Hausler G, Rossouw L, Manamela T, Mitchell EP, Warren R, van Helden P. Conservation of White Rhinoceroses Threatened by Bovine Tuberculosis, South Africa, 2016–2017. Emerg Infect Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2412180293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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18
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Hermes R, Saragusty J, Moser I, Barth SA, Holtze S, Lecu A, Cracknell J, Williams D, Göritz F, Hildebrandt TB. Differential detection of tuberculous and non-tuberculous mycobacteria by qPCR in lavage fluids of tuberculosis-suspicious white rhinoceros. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207365. [PMID: 30485372 PMCID: PMC6261570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) occurs in a wide range of mammalian species and thus poses a health risk to humans living or working in close proximity with TB infected animals. Despite a high incidence of M. bovis infections in domestic or wildlife species tuberculosis infections in rhinoceros have so far been very limited. Over the past 53 years, tuberculosis of the respiratory tract has been confirmed in just 22 rhinoceros, most of those infected not by M. bovis but M. tuberculosis. However, because of the zoonotic risk TB testing is recommended or becomes even mandatory in endangered species. The dilemma in rhinoceros and many other wildlife species; non-validated tests are highly inconsistent in their ability to identify TB infection. Current lack of TB diagnostics may result in TB positive rhinoceros living with the infection, transmitting it to those around them or in euthanasia of animals found unconfirmed at necropsy. This is an unacceptable diagnostic status considering that some species are critically endangered and therefore should not be euthanized in order to confirm suspicion of disease. To overcome this shortcoming we used bronchoscopy to detect mycobacteria in respiratory fluids of TB suspicious rhinoceros. Fluids from seven, TB suspicious white rhinoceros were harvested during 21 bronchoscopies. Our new approach: In addition to bacterial culture a dual quantitative PCR system tested for the general presence of DNA from NTM and more specifically for DNA from MTC. Both, bacterial culture and qPCR were negative for MTC in respiratory fluids of all rhinoceros (7/7). At the same time, respiratory fluids from six rhinoceros tested positive for the presence of NTM or other closely related bacteria (6/7). M. tuberculosis was found only once in an oesophageal aspirate. The high incidence of mycobacterial DNA in the respiratory tract suggests that white rhinoceros, as strict grazers, are immensely exposed to environmental bacteria of this genus. Presence of NTM in the respiratory or intestinal system could possibly cause false positive results in intradermal tests. A wider use of bronchoalveolar lavage is warranted to further elucidate immunologic response to NTM and exposure to, incidence and prevalence of MTC infections in rhinoceros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hermes
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joseph Saragusty
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Irmgard Moser
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie A. Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jonathan Cracknell
- Conservation Medicine Services, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Frank Göritz
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Bernd Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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19
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Lesellier S. Immunological responses of European badgers (Meles Meles) to infection with Mycobacterium bovis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 61:9-15. [PMID: 30502833 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the main cause of bovine tuberculosis and its eradication is proving difficult in many countries because of wildlife reservoirs, including European badgers (Meles meles) in the UK Ireland. Following the development of badger specific immunological reagents, many studies have shown that some aspects of the cellular and serological immune responses of badgers to virulent M. bovis and the attenuated M. bovis BCG (Bacille of Calmette and Guérin) strain are similar to those seen in other animal hosts infected with M. bovis. However, badgers also appear to have developed specific immunological responses to M. bovis infection which may be associated with mild inflammatory responses. Badgers may therefore represent an interesting natural host for M. bovis that can provide a more thorough understanding of efficient immunological responses to tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Lesellier
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom.
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20
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Parsons SDC, Morar-Leather D, Buss P, Hofmeyr J, McFadyen R, Rutten VPMG, van Helden PD, Miller MA, Michel AL. The Kinetics of the Humoral and Interferon-Gamma Immune Responses to Experimental Mycobacterium bovis Infection in the White Rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum). Front Immunol 2017; 8:1831. [PMID: 29312328 PMCID: PMC5743672 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the cause of tuberculosis (TB) in a wide range of species, including white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum). Control of the disease relies on the indirect detection of infection by measuring pathogen-specific responses of the host. These are poorly described in the white rhinoceros and this study aimed to characterize the kinetics of immune responses to M. bovis infection in this species. Three white rhinoceroses were infected with M. bovis and their immune sensitization to this pathogen was measured monthly for 20 months. Cell-mediated immunity was characterized in whole blood samples as the differential release of interferon-gamma in response to bovine purified protein derivative (PPDb) and avian PPD (PPDa) as well as the release of this cytokine in response to the M. bovis proteins 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT-6)/10 kDa culture filtrate protein (CFP-10). Humoral immunity was quantified as the occurrence or the magnitude of antibody responses to the proteins ESAT-6/CFP-10, MPB83, MPB83/MPB70, and PPDb. The magnitude and duration of immune reactivity varied between individuals; however, peak responses to these antigens were detected in all animals circa 5-9 months postinfection. Hereafter, they gradually declined to low or undetectable levels. This pattern was associated with limited TB-like pathology at postmortem examination and appeared to reflect the control of M. bovis infection following the development of the adaptive immune response. Measurement of these markers could prove useful for assessing the disease status or treatment of naturally infected animals. Moreover, immune responses identified in this study might be used to detect infection; however, further studies are required to confirm their diagnostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven D C Parsons
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,SAMRC Centre for TB Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Darshana Morar-Leather
- Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Research Programme, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Peter Buss
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Hofmeyr
- Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
| | - Ross McFadyen
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,SAMRC Centre for TB Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Victor P M G Rutten
- Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Research Programme, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paul D van Helden
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,SAMRC Centre for TB Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michele A Miller
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,SAMRC Centre for TB Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anita Luise Michel
- Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Research Programme, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.,National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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21
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Sutton DGM, Michel AL. Mycobacterial infections in equids: Clinical characteristics and diagnostic techniques. EQUINE VET EDUC 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. G. M. Sutton
- Weipers Centre Equine Hospital; School of Veterinary Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - A. L. Michel
- Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Research Programme; Department of Veterinary Tropical Disease; Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Pretoria; Pretoria South Africa
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