Characterization of Mycobacterium orygis, Mycobacterium bovis, and Mycobacterium caprae Infections in Humans in Western Canada

Epidemiologic research on zoonotic tuberculosis historically used Mycobacterium bovis as a surrogate measure, however, increased reports of human tuberculosis caused by other animal-associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members like Mycobacterium orygis necessitates their inclusion. We performed a retrospective cohort study including persons infected with any animal-lineage M. tuberculosis complex species in Alberta, Canada, from January 1995 to July 2021, identifying 42 patients (20 M. bovis, 21 M. orygis, one M. caprae). Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics were compared against persons with culture-confirmed M. tuberculosis infection. The proportion of culture-positive infections caused by M. orygis increased continuously from 2016-2020. Significantly more females at a higher median age were impacted by M. orygis, with all patients originating from South Asia. M. bovis caused significantly more extra-pulmonary disease, and disproportionately impacted young females, particularly those pregnant or post-partum. All infections were acquired abroad. These findings can aid in developing targeted public health interventions.

[Role of vaccination in the collective fight against infectious animal diseases]

"Role of vaccination in the collective fight against infectious animal diseases The part of vaccinations in collective fight against contagious animal diseases depends on objectives selected according to their impact on human health as well as on animal health and production, their prevalence and their epidemiological characteristics. In association with sanitary measures (biosecurity), the systematic vaccination, when vaccines are available, is often the first step indispensable to control the diseases and reduce their impact t an acceptable level, in particular if prevalence of infected animals is high. But vaccination is often insufficient to allow infectious agents eradicating. Now, for the more important diseases, eradication is an objective often required in order to obtain a free status. When the prevalence is very low, subsequent steps can include vaccination ban and adoption of program based only on a test and slaughter policy. Following successful eradication, emergency vaccination should be also implemented in order to prevent or contain spread of infection in unaffected areas."

Baseline knowledge of potential pet toxins: a survey of pharmacists

Background:

Consumer expenditures on their family pets are rapidly increasing, part of which can be attributed to prescription and OTC medications. In turn, community pharmacies are seeking and receiving an increased number of prescriptions for animals. Community pharmacists’ ability to safely care for animal patients is relatively unexplored. Human medications, their normal dosing and even medication excipients could be lethal in some animal patients.

Objective:

The overarching objective of this study was to assess pharmacists’ baseline knowledge of potential pet poisons.

Methods:

The sample consisted of licensed pharmacists registered with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. The Pet Toxins Survey (PTS), a survey consisting of 25 potential pet toxins, was administered during October and November 2015. Analyses consisted of calculating descriptive statics (including graphical summaries to test for normality), and inferential statistics (two-tailed t-tests and ANOVAs) to compare responses across demographic variables.

Results:

A 6.3% response rate was obtained. After selecting either a dog or a cat to establish a frame of reference, participants in this study were able to correctly identify 15 of the 25 listed items as toxic to a pet (60% accuracy). Participants did not express adequate concern for the ingestion of several potential toxins. This includes potential excipients found in medication formulations such as xylitol, tea tree oil and caffeine. Female participants and those age 50 years and older were more likely to indicate concern for each potential toxin. There was no significant difference observed in responses based on the pharmacists’ work setting.

Conclusions:

The findings of this investigation suggest that pharmacists are deficient in their understanding of veterinary toxicology. Given the rise of community pharmacists caring for animal patients, it’s paramount that pharmacists be able to confidently distinguish potential pet toxins from non-toxins. It is also important that pharmacists receive a better understanding of what exposures require immediate action and what action should be taken.