Feline tuberculosis: a literature review and discussion of 19 cases caused by an unusual mycobacterial variant

Abstract

The literature relating to feline mycobacterial disease is reviewed and 19 cats with tuberculosis caused by a previously unknown strain of mycobacterium are discussed. The bacteria were found to have characteristics between those of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M bovis. The paper considers the clinical signs, epidemiology and diagnosis of the cases, and discusses the possible origins of the organism, treatment regimens and zoonotic potential.