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From Peruvian mummies to living humans: first case of pulmonary tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii

L Zmak1, M Obrovac2, M Jankovic Makek3

  • 1National Reference Tuberculosis Laboratory, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb.

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|January 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study reports the first human pulmonary tuberculosis case caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii, a bacterium typically found in seals. The source of infection remains unknown, highlighting potential zoonotic risks.

Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic diseases
  • Mycobacterial infections
  • Pulmonary tuberculosis

Background:

  • The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) species are known for their zoonotic potential.
  • Mycobacterium pinnipedii (M. pinnipedii) primarily causes tuberculosis in marine mammals like seals and sea lions.
  • Human infections with M. pinnipedii are exceptionally rare and have not been previously documented in respiratory specimens.

Observation:

  • A 79-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic respiratory disease presented with pulmonary tuberculosis.
  • Diagnostic testing identified the causative agent as M. pinnipedii.
  • Epidemiological investigation could not determine the source of M. pinnipedii exposure for the patient.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of pulmonary tuberculosis in a human caused by M. pinnipedii.
  • The transmission route and source of M. pinnipedii infection in this patient were not identified.
  • The patient's underlying conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, chronic respiratory disease) may have contributed to susceptibility.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the known host range of M. pinnipedii to include humans with pulmonary involvement.
  • It underscores the importance of considering atypical mycobacterial species in diagnosing tuberculosis, especially in individuals with potential zoonotic exposure.
  • Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics and public health implications of M. pinnipedii in human populations.

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