Zoonotic Tuberculosis – The Changing Landscape
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Despite slow reductions in the annual burden of active human tuberculosis (TB) cases, zoonotic TB (zTB)
remains a poorly monitored and an important unaddressed global problem. There is a higher incidence in
some regions and countries, especially where close association exists between growing numbers of cattle
(the major source of Mycobacterium bovis) and people, many suffering from poverty, and where dairy
products are consumed unpasteurised. More attention needs to be focused on possible increased zTB
incidence resulting from growth in dairy production globally and increased demand in low income
countries in particular. Evidence of new zoonotic mycobacterial strains in South Asia and Africa (e.g. M.
orygis), warrants urgent assessment of prevalence, potential drivers and risk in order to develop
appropriate interventions. Control of M. bovis infection in cattle through detect and cull policies remain
the mainstay of reducing zTB risk, whilst in certain circumstances animal vaccination is proving
beneficial. New point of care diagnostics will help to detect animal infections and human cases. Given the
high burden of human tuberculosis (caused by M. tuberculosis) in endemic areas, animals are affected by
reverse zoonosis, including multi-drug resistant strains. This, may create drug resistant reservoirs of
infection in animals. Like COVID-19, zTB is evolving in an ever-changing global landscape.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Zoonotic TB, Bovine TB, M orygis, zooanthroponosis