Genetic Characterization of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Isolated from Captive Zoo Animals
Payal Soni1, Jitendra Singh1,2, Bhartendu Vimal3
1Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Saket Nagar, Bhopal, MP, India.
Ecohealth
|July 8, 2025
Summary
Zoonotic tuberculosis in captive animals, primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC), shows drug resistance and genetic patterns similar to human strains. This highlights the potential for reverse zoonotic transmission in India.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Zoonotic tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern, potentially undermining global TB elimination efforts.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) in animals is crucial for controlling TB transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity and drug resistance profiles of MTBC isolates from captive wild animals in India.
- To assess the potential of these animal isolates as a source for reverse zoonotic transmission.
Main Methods:
- Culture isolation and molecular identification (mPCR, Xpert-Ultra, TrueNat) of Mycobacterial species from animal tissue samples.
- Drug susceptibility testing (phenotypic and molecular) and genotyping (Spoligotyping) of MTBC isolates.
- Analysis of genetic diversity and drug resistance patterns, comparing them to human TB populations.
Main Results:
- Out of 67 samples, 44 were culture-positive, yielding 38 MTBC and 6 non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates.
- Twenty-eight MTBC isolates (73.69%) were pan-susceptible; 9 (23.68%) showed isoniazid mono-resistance; 1 (2.63%) was rifampicin mono-resistant.
- Genotyping revealed 27 isolates (71.05%) as 'Orphan', 10 (26.32%) as CAS1_DELHI (SIT 375), and 1 unidentified.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a primary cause of zoonotic TB in captive animals, with resistance and genetic patterns mirroring human strains.
- Captive animals infected with MTBC pose a potential risk for reverse zoonotic transmission to humans in India.
- Integrated surveillance and control strategies are needed to address zoonotic TB in both animal and human populations.
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