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[Tuberculous lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium bovis]
1Kirurgisk avdeling, Buskerud sentralsykehus, Drammen.
Summary
Bovine tuberculosis in humans is rare in Norway, with no reported cases since 1940. Recent cases highlight the continued risk, particularly in immigrants and from historical milk exposure.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Bovine tuberculosis (TB) in humans has historically been considered of minor importance in Norway compared to neighboring Scandinavian countries.
- Despite previous reports of infected cattle, human cases of bovine TB were believed to be absent in Norway since 1940.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old female immigrant from India presented with cervical lymph node tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis.
- A 77-year-old Norwegian male, infected in childhood via raw milk from tuberculous cattle in the 1920s, developed mesenteric lymph node TB.
Findings:
- These two cases, both localized to lymph nodes without disseminated disease, represent recent occurrences of human bovine TB in Norway.
- The findings challenge the long-held assumption of bovine TB's insignificance in the Norwegian population.
Implications:
- This underscores the need for continued surveillance of bovine TB, especially in immigrant populations and those with potential exposure to contaminated dairy products.
- Re-evaluation of historical data and current public health strategies regarding bovine TB in Norway is warranted.