Survival of Mycobacterium avium in Cow Feces at Low Temperatures
Author Information
Author(s): Eran A. Raizman, L. A. Espejo, S. J. Wells
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota
Hypothesis
Map long-term viability at −18°C and −70°C would not be significantly different.
Conclusion
Mycobacterium avium can survive for long periods in cow feces at both −18°C and −70°C, with no significant difference in survival between the two temperatures.
Supporting Evidence
- Map survived at −18°C for an average of 540 days.
- Samples stored at −70°C showed a trend for longer survival.
- Statistical analysis indicated that the temperature effect on viability was not significant after adjusting for initial bacterial load.
- The probability of a sample decreasing in bacterial load was 13% per month.
- Overall survival in −18°C can ease fecal sample management in laboratories with low-processing capacity.
Takeaway
This study shows that bacteria from sick cows can live a long time in their poop when kept really cold, which helps labs that can't process samples right away.
Methodology
Fecal samples were collected from infected cows and stored at −18°C and −70°C, recultured every 3–6 months, and analyzed using a proportional odds mixed model.
Potential Biases
Nonrandom allocation of samples based on initial culture results could introduce bias.
Limitations
The study lacked constant time intervals between cultures and used a targeted sampling approach rather than random selection.
Participant Demographics
Fecal samples were collected from 51 cows across 17 herds, primarily those with high bacterial loads.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.01 and 1.20
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website