Mycobacterium bovis and you: A comprehensive look at the bacteria, its similarities to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and its relationship with human disease

Abstract

While Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary cause of tuberculosis in people, multiple other mycobacteria are capable of doing so. With the World Health Organization's goal of a 90% reduction in tuberculosis by 2035, all tuberculous mycobacteria need to be addressed. Understanding not only the similarities, but importantly the differences between the different species is crucial if eradication is ever to be achieved. Mycobacterium bovis, while typically thought of as a disease of cattle, remains a possible source of human infection worldwide. Although this species' genome differs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis by only 0.05%, significant differences are present, creating unique challenges to address. This review focuses on features which distinguish this bacterium from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including differences in origin, structure, environmental persistence, host preferences, infection and disease, host immune response, diagnostics and treatment.

Keywords: Human-animal interface; Mycobacterium bovis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; One health; Zoonotic tuberculosis.