Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Use of the Invertebrate Galleria mellonella as an Infection Model to Study the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex
Published on: June 30, 2019
Environmental Presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Aggregation Points at the Wildlife/Livestock
J A Barasona1, J Vicente1, I Díez-Delgado1,2
1SaBio IREC, National Wildlife Research Institute (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.
Abstract:
The members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) cause tuberculosis (TB). Infection is transmitted within and between livestock and wildlife populations, thus hampering TB control. Indirect transmission might be facilitated if MTC bacteria persist in the environment long enough to represent a risk of exposure to different species sharing the same habitat. We have, for the first time, addressed the relationship between environmental MTC persistence and the use of water resources in two TB endemic areas in southern Spain with the objective of identifying the presence of environmental MTC and its driving factors at ungulates' water aggregation points. Camera-trap monitoring and MTC diagnosis (using a new MTC complex-specific PCR technique) were carried out at watering sites. Overall, 55.8% of the water points tested positive for MTC in mud samples on the shore, while 8.9% of them were positive in the case of water samples. A higher percentage of MTC-positive samples was found at those waterholes where cachectic animals were identified using camera-trap monitoring, and at the smallest waterholes. Our results help to understand the role of indirect routes of cross-species TB transmission and highlight the importance of certain environmental features in maintaining infection in multihost systems. This will help to better target actions and implement control strategies for TB at the wildlife/livestock interface.
Insights
Environmental Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) bacteria persist in water sources, facilitating cross-species tuberculosis (TB) transmission. Identifying MTC at waterholes helps target TB control in wildlife and livestock.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) circulates in livestock and wildlife, complicating control efforts.
- Environmental persistence of MTC could enable indirect transmission between species sharing habitats, particularly at water sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and drivers of environmental MTC at ungulate watering points in TB-endemic areas.
- To assess the role of water resources in the indirect transmission of TB between wildlife and livestock.
Main Methods:
- Environmental sampling (water and mud) at watering sites in southern Spain.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) detection using a novel MTC complex-specific PCR technique.
- Camera-trap monitoring to identify animal presence and condition (cachexia) at water points.
Main Results:
- MTC was detected in 55.8% of mud samples and 8.9% of water samples from watering points.
- Positive MTC samples were more frequent at waterholes with observed cachectic animals and smaller waterhole sizes.
- Environmental MTC presence was linked to specific water resource features and animal health indicators.
Conclusions:
- Water aggregation points serve as environmental reservoirs for MTC, supporting indirect cross-species transmission.
- Environmental factors, including waterhole size and animal health status, influence MTC persistence.
- Findings emphasize the importance of water resources in multihost TB systems and inform targeted control strategies at the wildlife-livestock interface.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:30Reservoir of Infection