The possible role of cattle and buffaloes in transmitting Mycobacterium tuberculosis to man.

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a human pathogen,butrecent studies recorded the presence of M. tuberculosis in domestic animals.This work was carried out to investigate the possible role of cattle and buffaloes in the epidemiology of M. tuberculosis. For this purpose, 68 tuberculoustissue sampleswere collected from cattle and buffaloes from different organs at different slaughterhouses in Minoufiya government, Egypt.In addition to 7 sputum samples from patients showing signs of tuberculosis as well as blood samples from 92 persons with close contact with animals were also collected. DNAs were extracted from animal tuberculous lesions and sputum samples from patient to be examined by MTBDRplus assay for detection ofMycobacterium tuberculosis complex(MTC) and identify strains that show resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin. Moreover, DNAs were also examined for the presence of M. tuberculosis by conventional PCR. On the other hand, serum samples from 92 personsin intimate contact with animals were examined by ELISA for the presence of IgG antibodies against M. tuberculosis. Of the examined animal samples MTC and M. tuberculosis were detected in 88% and 11% respectively,and 29.4% showing drug resistance. All sputum samples from examined patients were M. tuberculosis positive, of these57% showeddrug resistance. 5.4% of human serum samples were positive for IgGantibodies against TB.In conclusion, detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in animals (cattle and buffalo),especiallythe drug resistant type, is a serious problem to human and animal health and wealth.