Margarida Genetic diversity and potential routes of transmission of Mycobacterium bovis in Mozambique
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease with largely unknown impact in Africa, with risk
factors such as HIV and direct contact with animals or consumption of Mycobacterium bovis
infected animal products. In order to understand and quantify this risk and design intervention
strategies, good epidemiological studies are needed. Such studies can include molecular
typing of M. bovis isolates. The aim of this study was to apply these tools to provide novel
information concerning the distribution of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Mozambique and
thereby provide relevant information to guide policy development and strategies to contain
the disease in livestock, and reduce the risk associated with transmission to humans. A collection
of 178 M. bovis isolates was obtained from cattle in Mozambique. Using spoligotyping
and regions of difference analysis, we classified the isolates into clonal complexes, thus
reporting the first characterisation of M. bovis strains in this region. Data from MIRU-VNTR
typing was used to compare isolates from a number of African countries, revealing a deeply
geographically structured diversity of M. bovis. Eastern Africa appears to show high diversity,
suggesting deep evolution in that region. The diversity of M. bovis in Africa does not
seem to be a function of recent importation of animals, but is probably maintained within
each particular region by constant reinfection from reservoir animals. Understanding the
transmission routes of M. bovis in Mozambique and elsewhere is essential in order to focus
public health and veterinary resources to contain bovine tuberculosis.
Description
CITATION: Machado, A., et al. 2018. Margarida Genetic diversity and potential routes of transmission of Mycobacterium bovis in Mozambique. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 12(1):e0006147, doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0006147.
The original publication is available at https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/
The original publication is available at https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/
Keywords
Bovine tuberculosis, Bacterial diversity — Genetic aspects, Mycobacterium bovis — Transmission, Mozambique
Citation
Machado, A., et al. 2018. Margarida Genetic diversity and potential routes of transmission of Mycobacterium bovis in Mozambique. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 12(1):e0006147, doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0006147