Mycobacterium bovis and its impact on human and animal tuberculosis

Abstract

Mycobacterium bovis belongs to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex pathogen group (MTBC), which includes M. tuberculosis. These organisms cause tuberculosis (TB), a disease characterized by the formation of tubercles and caseous necrosis in the lungs. M. bovis is the leading cause of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle and other domestic and wild animals. It also causes disease in humans (zoonotic TB). Other MTBC pathogens like M. caprae or M. orygis can also cause bTB. However, M. bovis is the focus of this review. In addition to direct health consequences, bTB has a significant global economic impact in developed and developing countries.