Human and canine pulmonary Mycobacterium bovis infection in the same household: re-emergence of an old zoonotic threat?

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains a serious animal health problem in the UK, despite longstanding statutory surveillance and control measures. Endemic infection in the Eurasian badger population is thought to complicate bTB eradication efforts. Sporadic cases of M bovis infection have also been reported in domestic animals other than cattle. Human M bovis infection is extremely rare in the native UK population in the absence of unpasteurised milk consumption or residence abroad. Here, pulmonary TB infection in a UK born female and her pet dog is described, caused by an identical strain of M bovis. Latent TB infection was also identified in a household contact. The potential routes of infection and implications of this case are discussed.

The Accuracy of the Single Intradermal Comparative Skin Test for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis-Estimated from a Systematic Literature Search

“…For example, M. bovis is considered to be amongst the zoonotic pathogens with the highest risk for the Netherlands with a low current but a high historic burden [6] and the need to maintain control measures for human and bovine tuberculosis is emphasized [7]. bTB is considered as a "reemerging disease" in several EU countries which are considered to be officially-free [8], leading to the discussion of re-introduction of skin testing as part of effective surveillance [9]. Some European countries have not been able to eliminate bTB and to obtain official bTB free status.…”

Public health and bovine tuberculosis: what's all the fuss about?

“…The only proven case of recent transmission from cattle to humans in the UK was a cluster of two cases on a Gloucestershire dairy farm [7]. A further case in Cornwall has been described recently which might also have been transmitted from British cattle [8].…”

Animal Tuberculosis as a Potential Danger to Men

“…In France, the case of women, dog owner, bitten by a badger was described. She contracted tuberculosis caused by M.bovis, four months later her dog started to show the symptoms on the side of the respiratory system and as proved by the washing taken from dog's trachea a strain of bacteria of the same molecular profile which was found in his owner [11].…”