Zoonotic tuberculosis. A comprehensive ONE HEALTH approach

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infections pose significant risks to both animal and human health.
• Zoonotic diseases, like bovine tuberculosis (TB), highlight the interconnectedness of animal and human well-being.
• The global TB epidemic necessitates comprehensive control strategies that address all reservoirs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of MTBC infections in animals and humans.
• To detail the susceptibility, etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control of MTBC.
• To emphasize the importance of the One Health approach for zoonotic disease management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing data on MTBC.
• Analysis of species susceptibility to MTBC.
• Examination of epidemiological and etiological factors of MTBC infections.

Main Results:

• MTBC affects a wide range of animal species and humans.
• Understanding the pathogenesis and transmission dynamics is key to control.
• The "One Health" paradigm offers a unified framework for zoonoses control.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary "One Health" approach integrating human and veterinary medicine is essential for controlling the global TB epidemic.
• This unified approach is particularly effective for managing bovine TB and other international public health issues.
• Resource sharing and collaboration between public health and veterinary sectors can optimize disease control programs and mitigate shared risks.