Review article

Reservoirs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and their significance in the infection of animals and humans

Željko Cvetnić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Maja Zdelar-Tuk ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Sanja Duvnjak ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Irena Reil ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Marina Mikulić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Željko Pavlinec ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Marija Cvetnić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Silvio Špičić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska

Abstract

Pathogenic micobacteria have their hosts and most also have natural reservoirs. Tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis remains the main cause of tuberculosis in the world. M. bovis has the widest natural reservoir range of all known pathogens. Different wildlife species represent a permanent reservoir of M. bovis infection for domestic animals and humans. New species of mycobacteria have recently been discovered (M. caprae, M. pinnipedii, M. mungi, M. orygis and M. suricattae) which by their characteristics belong to the M. tuberculosis complex. Each of these mycobacteria species have their own reservoirs in nature, and as zoonoses, present a constant threat to humans. M. leprae causes leprosy in humans. It was previously thought that only men were the host and reservoir of the causative agent. Today, it is well-known that natural reservoirs are nine banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) in the United States and South America, red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in the United Kingdom and various types of monkeys in Africa and Asia.

Keywords

tuberculosis; M. tuberculosis complex; natural reservoirs

Hrčak ID:

223135

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/223135

Publication date:

22.7.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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