Mycobacterial infections in animals

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Animal Pathology

Background:

• Mycobacteria, excluding *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, can infect numerous animal species.
• The *Mycobacterium avium* complex (MAC) is a primary cause of mycobacterial disease in domestic animals.
• While lymph nodes are frequently affected, MAC infections can disseminate widely.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the etiological agents of mycobacterial diseases in domestic animals.
• To describe the common clinical presentations and tissue tropism of *Mycobacterium avium* complex infections.
• To underscore the broad impact of MAC on animal health.

Main Methods:

• Review of veterinary literature on mycobacterial infections in animals.
• Analysis of case reports and epidemiological data concerning *Mycobacterium avium* complex.
• Pathological examination of tissues from affected animals.

Main Results:

• Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are significant pathogens in a diverse range of animal hosts.
• *Mycobacterium avium* complex serotypes are the most prevalent cause of mycobacterial disease in domestic animals.
• Lesions are most common in lymph nodes but can involve spleen, liver, lungs, kidneys, CNS, and other tissues.

Conclusions:

• Mycobacterium avium complex represents a major threat to domestic animal health.
• The widespread tissue involvement necessitates comprehensive diagnostic approaches.
• Understanding the pathogenesis and host range is crucial for disease control.