Mycobacterium bovis infection in the lion (Panthera leo): Current knowledge, conundrums and research challenges

Abstract

Highlights• We review published literature on Mycobacterium bovis infection in lions.• Specific and non-specific M. bovis disease pathology in lions are summarised.• Sources and route of infection, diagnostics, and co-morbidities are reviewed.• Tuberculosis threat to lion population is reviewed.• Knowledge gaps are identified and discussed. AbstractMycobacterium bovis has global public-health and socio-economic significance and can infect a wide Filling these knowledge gaps will contribute to the understanding of mycobacterial infections and disease in captive and wild lions and assist in lion conservation endeavours.

Development of a Gene Expression Assay for the Diagnosis ofMycobacterium bovisInfection in African Lions (Panthera leo)

“…Mycobacterium bovis , a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), is endemic in wildlife in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (HiP) in South Africa (Michel et al., ). M. bovis infection is primarily maintained in African buffaloes ( Syncerus caffe r) (Michel et al., ; Viljoen et al., ); however, lions, which predate on this species, experience a high M. bovis infection pressure (Keet et al., ). As a result, a high prevalence of infection (55%) and bovine tuberculosis (BTB)‐related mortality have been documented in the KNP population (Keet et al., , ).…”

Mycobacterium caprae transmission to free-living grey wolves (Canis lupus) in the Bieszczady Mountains in Southern Poland

“…Some cases of TB transmission to wild carnivores are described in the literature (Santos et al 2012;Viljoen et al 2015). Other studies also show that certain carnivorous species, including coyotes, may be used to detect tuberculosis (Berentsen et al 2011).…”

Felidae

“…Free-ranging cheetahs, leopards and lynx are considered spillover hosts, but lions may be able to serve as maintenance hosts. The long-term effects of bTB on free-ranging lion populations is uncertain (Cleaveland et al, 2005;Ferreira & Funston, 2010;Viljoen et al, 2015). Seroconversion of necropsy staff and keepers has been reported, emphasizing the importance of appropriate personal protective equipment (Helman et al, 1998;Morris et al, 1996;Watering et al, 1972).…”

“…Clinical signs, ante-mortem tests and clinical pathology in felids have been reviewed (de Lisle et al, 2002;Maas et al, 2013;Miller et al, 2015;Viljoen et al, 2015). The pathogenesis of mycobacterial infections is determined by multiple host factors including host immunity, co-infections, genetics, population density, contact rates, longevity and behavior (including, gregariousness, denning, scavenging and grooming behavior); pathogen virulence and genetics; and ecological factors including feral cat, host and prey geographic distribution (Clarke et al, 2016).…”