Case report: Discovery of tuberculosis caused by in free-ranging vervet monkeys in the Greater Kruger Conservation Area.

Animal tuberculosis (TB) has been reported in several wildlife species in the Greater Kruger Conservation Area (GKCA), South Africa. This report describes the discovery of clinical tuberculosis, caused by (), in free-ranging vervet monkeys (). The "One Health" concept is especially relevant to TB since this is a multi-host disease with zoonotic potential and is endemic in GKCA.

Insights into mycobacteriome composition in Mycobacterium bovis-infected African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) tissue samples.

Animal tuberculosis significantly challenges global health, agriculture, and wildlife conservation efforts. Mycobacterial cultures are resource-intensive, time-consuming, and challenged by heterogeneous populations. In this study, we employed a culture-independent approach, using targeted long-read-based next-generation sequencing (tNGS), to investigate the mycobacterial composition in 60 DNA samples extracted from Mycobacterium bovis infected culture-confirmed African buffalo tissue.

Short-read full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing for characterisation of the respiratory bacteriome of captive and free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana).

Hypervariable region sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene plays a critical role in microbial ecology by offering insights into bacterial communities within specific niches. While providing valuable genus-level information, its reliance on data from targeted genetic regions limits its overall utility. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have enabled characterisation of the full-length 16S rRNA gene, enhancing species-level classification.

Identification and molecular characterization of DNA in GeneXpert® MTB/RIF ultra-positive, culture-negative sputum from a rural community in South Africa.

This study investigated the presence of () DNA in archived human sputum samples previously collected from residents who reside adjacent to the -endemic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi wildlife park, South Africa (SA). Sixty-eight sputum samples were GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra-positive for complex (MTBC) DNA but culture negative for . Amplification and Sanger sequencing of and genes from DNA extracted from stored heat-inactivated sputum samples confirmed the presence of detectable amounts of MTBC from 20 out of the 68 sputum samples.

Detection of in nasal swabs from communal goats () in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Animal tuberculosis, caused by , presents a significant threat to both livestock industries and public health. tests rely on detecting antigen specific immune responses, which can be influenced by exposure to non-tuberculous mycobacteria, test technique, and duration and severity of infection. Despite advancements in direct detection, mycobacterial culture remains the primary diagnostic standard.

Advancing animal tuberculosis surveillance using culture-independent long-read whole-genome sequencing.

Animal tuberculosis is a significant infectious disease affecting both livestock and wildlife populations worldwide. Effective disease surveillance and characterization of strains are essential for understanding transmission dynamics and implementing control measures. Currently, sequencing of genomic information has relied on culture-based methods, which are time-consuming, resource-demanding, and concerning in terms of biosafety.

"Spotting" infection in leopards () - novel application of diagnostic tools.

Background: () is the causative agent of animal tuberculosis (TB) which poses a threat to many of South Africa's most iconic wildlife species, including leopards (). Due to limited tests for wildlife, the development of accurate ante-mortem tests for TB diagnosis in African big cat populations is urgently required. The aim of this study was to evaluate currently available immunological assays for their ability to detect infection in leopards.

Differential detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to chimeric antigens in bovine tuberculosis.

Recent studies have suggested the potential of innovative serologic tests for accurate and rapid detection of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). Dual Path Platform (DPP) technology has been used to develop rapid animal-side antibody tests for Mycobacterium bovis infection in a range of livestock and wildlife host species. The present study evaluated diagnostic performance of DPP BovidTB IgM/IgG assay designed for differential detection of bovine IgM and IgG antibodies against two chimeric antigens, DID38 and TBf2, respectively, using 662 well-characterized serum samples from M.

Comparison of interferon gamma release assay and gene expression assay for the detection of infection in African lions ().

() infection has been identified in both domestic and wild animals and may threaten the conservation of vulnerable species including African lions (). There is a need to develop accurate ante-mortem tools for detection of infection in African big cat populations for wildlife management and disease surveillance. The aim of this study was to compare the performances of two immunological assays, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT) Mabtech Cat interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) and QFT gene expression assay (GEA), which have both shown diagnostic potential for detection in African lions.

Identification and Characterisation of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in African Buffaloes (), South Africa.

Diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) may be confounded by immunological cross-reactivity to antigens when animals are sensitised by certain nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate NTM species diversity in African buffalo () respiratory secretions and tissue samples, using a combination of novel molecular tools. Oronasal swabs were collected opportunistically from 120 immobilised buffaloes in historically bTB-free herds.

Adaptation and Diagnostic Potential of a Commercial Cat Interferon Gamma Release Assay for the Detection of Infection in African Lions ().

() infection in wildlife, including lions (), has implications for individual and population health. Tools for the detection of infected lions are needed for diagnosis and disease surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the Mabtech Cat interferon gamma (IFN-γ) ELISA kit for detection of native lion IFN-γ in whole blood samples stimulated using the QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus (QFT) platform as a potential diagnostic assay.

Culture-Independent PCR Detection and Differentiation of spp. in Antemortem Respiratory Samples from African Elephants () and Rhinoceros (, ) in South Africa.

Since certain complex (MTBC) members, such as , are endemic in specific South African wildlife reserves and zoos, cases of clinically important nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in wildlife may be neglected. Additionally, due to the inability of tests to differentiate between the host responses to MTBC and NTM, the diagnosis of MTBC may be confounded by the presence of NTMs. This may hinder control efforts.

CYTOKINE-RELEASE ASSAY FOR THE DETECTION OF INFECTION IN CHEETAH ().

The lack of species-specific assays for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, such as bovine tuberculosis, poses a threat to the management of wildlife populations, especially for vulnerable species such as cheetah (). The aim of this study was to identify and develop a cell-mediated immunological cytokine-release assay that could distinguish between -infected and uninfected cheetahs using commercially available feline cytokine ELISA and domestic cat () recombinant proteins. Antibodies against domestic cat cytokines, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), were screened for cross-reactivity with plasma cytokines from cheetah whole blood stimulated using QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT) tubes.

The Seroepidemiology of a Neglected Zoonotic and Livestock Pathogen in Free-Ranging Bovids: Leptospirosis in African Buffaloes ().

Multi-host pathogens are challenging to control and are responsible for some of the most important diseases of humans, livestock, and wildlife. spp. are some of the most common multi-host pathogens and represent an important cause of zoonotic infections and livestock productivity loss in the developing world, where contact with wildlife species is common.

Improved detection of and in African wildlife samples using cationic peptide decontamination and mycobacterial culture supplementation.

In South Africa, mycobacterial culture is regarded as the gold standard for the detection of complex (MTBC) infection in wildlife even though it is regarded as "imperfect." We compared a novel decontamination and mycobacterial culture technique (TiKa) to the conventional mycobacterium growth indicator tube (MGIT) system using known amounts of bacilli and clinical samples from MTBC-infected African buffaloes (), white rhinoceros (), and African elephants (). Use of the TiKa-KiC decontamination agent on samples spiked with 10,000 to 10 colony forming units (cfu) of (SB0121) and (H37Rv) had no effect on isolate recovery in culture.

Use of blood matrices and alternative biological fluids for antibody detection in animal tuberculosis.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control programs can be improved by implementation of advanced ante-mortem testing algorithms. Serodiagnostic methods using traditional blood or blood-derived specimens may benefit from the use of less invasive alternative biological fluids, provided those mirror systemic antibody responses. In the present study, we used Dual Path Platform (DPP) and Multiantigen Print Immunoassay (MAPIA) to compare antibody levels in ten sample types including whole blood (fresh and hemolyzed), plasma (fresh and leftover from Bovigam testing), serum, saliva, broncho-alveolar lavage, urine, diaphragm extract, and bile collected from cattle aerosol-infected with Mycobacterium bovis.

SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF INFECTION IN THE WHITE RHINOCEROS () IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Coxiellosis, or Query (Q) fever, a disease caused by the intracellular bacteria , was recently described in a managed breeding herd of white rhinoceros () in the southeastern United States. Clinical disease often results in abortion and could represent a conservation challenge for this species. In addition to the reproductive and herd management consequences, coxiellosis is also a zoonotic disease.

Novel molecular transport medium used in combination with Xpert MTB/RIF ultra provides rapid detection of Mycobacterium bovis in African buffaloes.

Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in wildlife. Confirmation of M. bovis infection relies on mycobacterial culture, which is time-consuming.

Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-Ranging African Elephants.

Mycobacterium bovis infection in wildlife species occurs worldwide. However, few cases of M. bovis infection in captive elephants have been reported.

Review of Diagnostic Tests for Detection of Infection in South African Wildlife.

Wildlife tuberculosis is a major economic and conservation concern globally. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by (), is the most common form of wildlife tuberculosis. In South Africa, to date, infection has been detected in 24 mammalian wildlife species.

Development of a cytokine gene expression assay for the relative quantification of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) cell-mediated immune responses.

Immunological assays are the basis for many diagnostic tests for infectious diseases in animals and humans. Application in wildlife species, including the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), is limited however due to lack of information on immune responses. Since many immunoassays require both identified biomarkers of immune activation as well as species-specific reagents, it is crucial to have knowledge of basic immunological responses in the species of interest.

Optimisation of the tuberculin skin test for detection of Mycobacterium bovis in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer).

Effective screening methods are critical for preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) among livestock and wildlife species. The tuberculin skin test (TST) remains the primary test for bTB globally, although performance is suboptimal. African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are a maintenance host of Mycobacterium bovis in South Africa, tested using the single intradermal tuberculin test (SITT) or comparative test (SICTT).