Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Cattle in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Ameni Gobena, Martin Vordermeier, Firdessa Rebuma, Aseffa Abraham, Glyn Hewinson, Stephen V. Gordon, Stefan de Berg, Aklilu Lemma
Primary Institution: Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University
Hypothesis
What are the characteristics of mycobacteria infecting tuberculous cattle from different management systems in central Ethiopia?
Conclusion
The study found that approximately 27% of isolates from grazing cattle were Mycobacterium tuberculosis, indicating a potential risk of human-to-cattle transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 27% of isolates from grazing cattle were Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Cattle in a more intensive-production system were exclusively infected with M. bovis.
- The practice of discharging chewed tobacco into the mouths of cattle was identified as a potential transmission route.
Takeaway
Some cows in Ethiopia are getting sick from a germ that usually makes people sick, and it might be because farmers are sharing tobacco juice with them.
Methodology
Molecular typing of mycobacteria isolates from cattle was performed using multiplex PCR and spoligotyping.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific farming practices and regions selected for the study.
Limitations
The study may not represent the wider bovine population in Ethiopia due to the specific regions and management systems studied.
Participant Demographics
Cattle from two different management systems: intensive-production and grazing.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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