Tiny Hlokwe - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Tiny Hlokwe
BMC Microbiology, Mar 4, 2020
Background: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affects cattle and wildlife in South Africa with the Africa... more Background: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affects cattle and wildlife in South Africa with the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) as the principal maintenance host. The presence of a wildlife maintenance host at the wildlife/livestock interface acting as spill-over host makes it much more challenging to control and eradicate bTB in cattle. Spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) genotyping methods were performed to investigate the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) isolates from cattle and wildlife, their distribution and transmission at the wildlife/livestock interface in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), South Africa. Results: SB0130 was identified as the dominant spoligotype pattern at this wildlife/livestock interface, while VNTR typing revealed a total of 29 VNTR profiles (strains) in the KZN province signifying high genetic variability. The detection of 5 VNTR profiles shared between cattle and buffalo suggests M. bovis transmission between species. MIRU-VNTR confirmed co-infection in one cow with three strains of M. bovis that differed at a single locus, with 2 being shared with buffalo, implying pathogen introduction from most probably unrelated wildlife sources. Conclusion: Our findings highlight inter and intra species transmission of bTB at the wildlife/livestock interface and the need for the implementation of adequate bTB control measures to mitigate the spread of the pathogen responsible for economic losses and a public health threat.
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Apr 1, 2020
Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) bacteria, mainly Mycobacterium bovis (M.... more Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) bacteria, mainly Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), cause bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in livestock and wildlife animals. Confirmation of the disease is through culture and verification of the causative agent by molecular tests. In this study, we assessed the utility of the Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay, an automated molecular test originally designed to improve the detection of tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin resistance in clinical sputum samples of human origin, by conducting a comparative evaluation with a culture based method routinely used at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (OVR). A total of 167 samples (tissue, n = 165; pus, n = 1; abscess, n = 1) from different wildlife and livestock animals (from 65 individual animals) were analyzed. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species was isolated in 63 (37.72 %) of the 167 samples, and was detected in 79 (47.3 %) of the samples by Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay. Based on the standard culture test, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay was found to be 95.24 % and 82 % respectively. All animals that were confirmed bTB positive by culture method were also found to be positive with the Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay in at least one sample (indicating a 100 % sensitivity of the method at the animal level). Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were isolated in 9 (3.4 %) of the samples analysed and none were detected by Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay, highlighting that this molecular test is highly specific. Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay was found to have great potential for the rapid diagnosis of the bTB in animals, hence allowing early intervention by regulatory authorities.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, Jul 7, 2019
Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis has become endemic in some wildlife... more Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis has become endemic in some wildlife populations in South Africa. The disease has been reported in 21 wildlife species in the country. In this study, we report M. bovis infection in two female giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) from two different nature reserves within the Greater Kruger National Park Complex (GKNPC). M. bovis was isolated from tissue lesions consistent with macroscopic appearance of tuberculosis (TB) and confirmed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR), targeting the RD4 region of difference on the genome of the isolates. Spoligotyping and variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) typing revealed infection of one giraffe with a strain (SB0294) previously not detected in South Africa, while a resident M. bovis strain (SB0121) was detected from the other giraffe. Our work is first to report M. bovis infection in free ranging giraffes in South Africa. We have further demonstrated the existence of at least three genetically unrelated strains currently infecting wildlife species within the GKNPC. This finding suggests that the epidemiological situation of M. bovis within the GKNPC is not only driven by internal sources from its established endemic presence, but can be additionally fuelled by strains introduced from external sources. It further emphasizes that regular wildlife disease surveillance is an essential prerequisite for the timely identification of new pathogens or strains in ecospheres of high conservation value. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
BMC Veterinary Research, Sep 2, 2016
Background: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is very uncommon in horses worl... more Background: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is very uncommon in horses worldwide. Case presentation: In the current study, an eight-year-old male Thoroughbred in good body condition was admitted to the Equine Clinic at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital in 2005 due to bilateral epistaxis accompanied by coughing. Routine examinations were conducted to determine the cause of the condition. Endoscopic examination revealed the major source of the epistaxis as the trachea, whereas thoracic radiography indicated the presence of a primary pulmonary mass. M. bovis was isolated from a broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) sample collected. The pulmonary mass reduced in size three months later following an oral administration of enrofloxacin (7.5 mg/kg PO SID). Genetic fingerprinting by spoligotyping identified the M. bovis isolate as spoligotype SB0868 strain. This M. bovis strain type was never described previously in South Africa (SA). This is the first case of M. bovis infection in a horse in SA which has been fully documented including clinical findings, isolation and genetic characterisation of the causative pathogen. Conclusions: This report indicates that horses may contract and harbour M. bovis despite their lower susceptibility compared to other domestic animals. It also suggests that the infection may be more easily contained and eliminated from the host.
Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Jul 1, 2017
Mycobacterium bovis infects multiple wildlife species and domesticated cattle across South Africa... more Mycobacterium bovis infects multiple wildlife species and domesticated cattle across South Africa, and negatively impacts on livestock trade and movement of wildlife for conservation purposes. M. bovis infection was first reported in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in South Africa during the 1990s, and has since spread to infect numerous animal host species throughout the park and across South Africa. Whole genome sequencing data of 17 M. bovis isolates were analyzed to investigate the genomic diversity among M. bovis isolates causing disease in different animal host species from various locations in South Africa. M. bovis strains analyzed in this study are geographic rather than host species-specific. The clonal expansion of M. bovis in the KNP highlights the effect of an introduction of a transmissible infectious disease leading to a rising epidemic in wildlife, and emphasizes the importance of disease control and movement restriction of species that serve as disease reservoirs. In conclusion, the point source introduction of a single M. bovis strain type in the KNP ecosystem lead to an M. bovis outbreak in this area that affects various host species and poses an infection risk in neighboring rural communities where HIV prevalence is high.
Research Square (Research Square), Oct 31, 2019
Emerging Infectious Diseases, Mar 1, 2015
, bovine tuberculosis was detected in communal livestock bordering the Greater Kruger National Pa... more , bovine tuberculosis was detected in communal livestock bordering the Greater Kruger National Park Complex (GKNPC) in South Africa. Using spacer oligonucleotide and variable number tandem repeat typing, we identified the Mycobacterium bovis strain endemic in GKNPC wildlife. Our findings indicate bovine tuberculosis spillover from GKNPC wildlife to neighboring livestock.
Springer eBooks, 2019
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is cha... more Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is characterized by gradual physical deterioration, lymphadenopathy, and development of tuberculous lesions that may be extensive, mainly in the lungs and associated lymph nodes. The presence of lesions in other body systems is possible and varies according to the route of infection and the extent of dissemination of the
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2008
Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tubercu... more Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis have previously been isolated from Euclea species. In this study, several constituents of Euclea natalensis and E. undulata, as well as organic extracts of the leaves, were assessed for efficacy against the zoonotic pathogen, Mycobacterium bovis. Also included in the battery of test organisms were M. bovis BCG and the fast-growing species M. smegmatis and M. fortuitum. The acetone extract of E. natalensis had potent activity against M. bovis (MIC62؍ m mg/ml). The naphthoquinone 7-methyljuglone was the most active compound, with an MIC as low as 1.55 m mg/ml against pathogenic M. bovis. M. bovis BCG was not as susceptible to the test compounds as the pathogenic strain, but similar patterns of activity were observed between all the strains tested. M. smegmatis appeared to be a better predictor of antimycobacterial activity against pathogenic M. bovis (and M. tuberculosis), while MIC values obtained using M. fortuitum correlated well with those of M. bovis BCG.
Veterinary Microbiology, 2008
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2008
Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tubercu... more Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis have previously been isolated from Euclea species. In this study, several constituents of Euclea natalensis and E. undulata, as well as organic extracts of the leaves, were assessed for efficacy against the zoonotic pathogen, Mycobacterium bovis. Also included in the battery of test organisms were M. bovis BCG and the fast-growing species M. smegmatis and M. fortuitum. The acetone extract of E. natalensis had potent activity against M. bovis (MIC62؍ m mg/ml). The naphthoquinone 7-methyljuglone was the most active compound, with an MIC as low as 1.55 m mg/ml against pathogenic M. bovis. M. bovis BCG was not as susceptible to the test compounds as the pathogenic strain, but similar patterns of activity were observed between all the strains tested. M. smegmatis appeared to be a better predictor of antimycobacterial activity against pathogenic M. bovis (and M. tuberculosis), while MIC values obtained using M. fortuitum correlated well with those of M. bovis BCG.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PLOS ONE, 2015
Background Unpasteurised fresh and souring dairy products form an essential component of househol... more Background Unpasteurised fresh and souring dairy products form an essential component of household diets throughout many rural communities in southern Africa. The presence of milk-borne zoonotic pathogens such as Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis and zoonotic tuberculosis in humans, constitute a public health threat, especially in remote areas with poor disease surveillance in livestock and highly compromised human health due to HIV/AIDS. Methods In this study we used culture to determine the longevity of M. bovis in experimentally inoculated fresh and naturally souring milk obtained from communal cattle in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The effect of bacterial load and storage temperature on the survival of M. bovis was evaluated by spiking mixtures of fresh milk and starter soured milk (aMasi) culture with three concentrations of bacteria (10 2 , 10 4 , 10 7 colony forming units/ml), followed by incubation under controlled laboratory conditions that mimicked ambient indoor (20°C) and outdoor (33°C) temperatures and periodic sampling and testing over time (0-56 days). Results M. bovis cultured from samples of the fresh and souring milk was identified by PCR analysis. At the highest spiking concentration (10 7 cfu/ml), M. bovis survived for at least 2 weeks PLOS ONE |
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2008
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2010
sakorn S, et al. Causes of acute, undifferentiated, febrile illness in rural Thailand: results of... more sakorn S, et al. Causes of acute, undifferentiated, febrile illness in rural Thailand: results of a prospective observational study.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2015
Tuberculosis in Animals: An African Perspective, 2019
During the past two decades, epidemiology as a discipline has undergone marked changes resulting ... more During the past two decades, epidemiology as a discipline has undergone marked changes resulting in a proliferation of subspecialties, one of which is molecular epidemiology. Molecular epidemiology is defined as the application of molecular markers to solve epidemiological problems, and it includes the use of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and population genetic characterization of causal organisms. It is thus a discipline that allows one to conduct a “forensic” audit of the disease dynamics in a population by superimposing host and/or pathogen molecular markers to population structure-based practices and events in time and space. This is usually done retrospectively; therefore, understanding the history of a population is critical to effectively utilize the data generated by molecular epidemiological techniques. The history of Africa was shaped by both local and international events, all of which directly or indirectly affected the health of its people and animals. This chapter describes...
Tuberculosis in Animals: An African Perspective
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is cha... more Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is characterized by gradual physical deterioration, lymphadenopathy, and development of tuberculous lesions that may be extensive, mainly in the lungs and associated lymph nodes. The presence of lesions in other body systems is possible and varies according to the route of infection and the extent of dissemination of the
BMC Microbiology, Mar 4, 2020
Background: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affects cattle and wildlife in South Africa with the Africa... more Background: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affects cattle and wildlife in South Africa with the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) as the principal maintenance host. The presence of a wildlife maintenance host at the wildlife/livestock interface acting as spill-over host makes it much more challenging to control and eradicate bTB in cattle. Spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) genotyping methods were performed to investigate the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) isolates from cattle and wildlife, their distribution and transmission at the wildlife/livestock interface in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), South Africa. Results: SB0130 was identified as the dominant spoligotype pattern at this wildlife/livestock interface, while VNTR typing revealed a total of 29 VNTR profiles (strains) in the KZN province signifying high genetic variability. The detection of 5 VNTR profiles shared between cattle and buffalo suggests M. bovis transmission between species. MIRU-VNTR confirmed co-infection in one cow with three strains of M. bovis that differed at a single locus, with 2 being shared with buffalo, implying pathogen introduction from most probably unrelated wildlife sources. Conclusion: Our findings highlight inter and intra species transmission of bTB at the wildlife/livestock interface and the need for the implementation of adequate bTB control measures to mitigate the spread of the pathogen responsible for economic losses and a public health threat.
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Apr 1, 2020
Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) bacteria, mainly Mycobacterium bovis (M.... more Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) bacteria, mainly Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), cause bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in livestock and wildlife animals. Confirmation of the disease is through culture and verification of the causative agent by molecular tests. In this study, we assessed the utility of the Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay, an automated molecular test originally designed to improve the detection of tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin resistance in clinical sputum samples of human origin, by conducting a comparative evaluation with a culture based method routinely used at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (OVR). A total of 167 samples (tissue, n = 165; pus, n = 1; abscess, n = 1) from different wildlife and livestock animals (from 65 individual animals) were analyzed. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species was isolated in 63 (37.72 %) of the 167 samples, and was detected in 79 (47.3 %) of the samples by Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay. Based on the standard culture test, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay was found to be 95.24 % and 82 % respectively. All animals that were confirmed bTB positive by culture method were also found to be positive with the Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay in at least one sample (indicating a 100 % sensitivity of the method at the animal level). Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were isolated in 9 (3.4 %) of the samples analysed and none were detected by Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay, highlighting that this molecular test is highly specific. Xpert ® MTB/RIF Ultra assay was found to have great potential for the rapid diagnosis of the bTB in animals, hence allowing early intervention by regulatory authorities.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, Jul 7, 2019
Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis has become endemic in some wildlife... more Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis has become endemic in some wildlife populations in South Africa. The disease has been reported in 21 wildlife species in the country. In this study, we report M. bovis infection in two female giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) from two different nature reserves within the Greater Kruger National Park Complex (GKNPC). M. bovis was isolated from tissue lesions consistent with macroscopic appearance of tuberculosis (TB) and confirmed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR), targeting the RD4 region of difference on the genome of the isolates. Spoligotyping and variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) typing revealed infection of one giraffe with a strain (SB0294) previously not detected in South Africa, while a resident M. bovis strain (SB0121) was detected from the other giraffe. Our work is first to report M. bovis infection in free ranging giraffes in South Africa. We have further demonstrated the existence of at least three genetically unrelated strains currently infecting wildlife species within the GKNPC. This finding suggests that the epidemiological situation of M. bovis within the GKNPC is not only driven by internal sources from its established endemic presence, but can be additionally fuelled by strains introduced from external sources. It further emphasizes that regular wildlife disease surveillance is an essential prerequisite for the timely identification of new pathogens or strains in ecospheres of high conservation value. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
BMC Veterinary Research, Sep 2, 2016
Background: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is very uncommon in horses worl... more Background: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is very uncommon in horses worldwide. Case presentation: In the current study, an eight-year-old male Thoroughbred in good body condition was admitted to the Equine Clinic at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital in 2005 due to bilateral epistaxis accompanied by coughing. Routine examinations were conducted to determine the cause of the condition. Endoscopic examination revealed the major source of the epistaxis as the trachea, whereas thoracic radiography indicated the presence of a primary pulmonary mass. M. bovis was isolated from a broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) sample collected. The pulmonary mass reduced in size three months later following an oral administration of enrofloxacin (7.5 mg/kg PO SID). Genetic fingerprinting by spoligotyping identified the M. bovis isolate as spoligotype SB0868 strain. This M. bovis strain type was never described previously in South Africa (SA). This is the first case of M. bovis infection in a horse in SA which has been fully documented including clinical findings, isolation and genetic characterisation of the causative pathogen. Conclusions: This report indicates that horses may contract and harbour M. bovis despite their lower susceptibility compared to other domestic animals. It also suggests that the infection may be more easily contained and eliminated from the host.
Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Jul 1, 2017
Mycobacterium bovis infects multiple wildlife species and domesticated cattle across South Africa... more Mycobacterium bovis infects multiple wildlife species and domesticated cattle across South Africa, and negatively impacts on livestock trade and movement of wildlife for conservation purposes. M. bovis infection was first reported in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in South Africa during the 1990s, and has since spread to infect numerous animal host species throughout the park and across South Africa. Whole genome sequencing data of 17 M. bovis isolates were analyzed to investigate the genomic diversity among M. bovis isolates causing disease in different animal host species from various locations in South Africa. M. bovis strains analyzed in this study are geographic rather than host species-specific. The clonal expansion of M. bovis in the KNP highlights the effect of an introduction of a transmissible infectious disease leading to a rising epidemic in wildlife, and emphasizes the importance of disease control and movement restriction of species that serve as disease reservoirs. In conclusion, the point source introduction of a single M. bovis strain type in the KNP ecosystem lead to an M. bovis outbreak in this area that affects various host species and poses an infection risk in neighboring rural communities where HIV prevalence is high.
Research Square (Research Square), Oct 31, 2019
Emerging Infectious Diseases, Mar 1, 2015
, bovine tuberculosis was detected in communal livestock bordering the Greater Kruger National Pa... more , bovine tuberculosis was detected in communal livestock bordering the Greater Kruger National Park Complex (GKNPC) in South Africa. Using spacer oligonucleotide and variable number tandem repeat typing, we identified the Mycobacterium bovis strain endemic in GKNPC wildlife. Our findings indicate bovine tuberculosis spillover from GKNPC wildlife to neighboring livestock.
Springer eBooks, 2019
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is cha... more Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is characterized by gradual physical deterioration, lymphadenopathy, and development of tuberculous lesions that may be extensive, mainly in the lungs and associated lymph nodes. The presence of lesions in other body systems is possible and varies according to the route of infection and the extent of dissemination of the
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2008
Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tubercu... more Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis have previously been isolated from Euclea species. In this study, several constituents of Euclea natalensis and E. undulata, as well as organic extracts of the leaves, were assessed for efficacy against the zoonotic pathogen, Mycobacterium bovis. Also included in the battery of test organisms were M. bovis BCG and the fast-growing species M. smegmatis and M. fortuitum. The acetone extract of E. natalensis had potent activity against M. bovis (MIC62؍ m mg/ml). The naphthoquinone 7-methyljuglone was the most active compound, with an MIC as low as 1.55 m mg/ml against pathogenic M. bovis. M. bovis BCG was not as susceptible to the test compounds as the pathogenic strain, but similar patterns of activity were observed between all the strains tested. M. smegmatis appeared to be a better predictor of antimycobacterial activity against pathogenic M. bovis (and M. tuberculosis), while MIC values obtained using M. fortuitum correlated well with those of M. bovis BCG.
Veterinary Microbiology, 2008
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2008
Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tubercu... more Naphthoquinones and other compounds with antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis have previously been isolated from Euclea species. In this study, several constituents of Euclea natalensis and E. undulata, as well as organic extracts of the leaves, were assessed for efficacy against the zoonotic pathogen, Mycobacterium bovis. Also included in the battery of test organisms were M. bovis BCG and the fast-growing species M. smegmatis and M. fortuitum. The acetone extract of E. natalensis had potent activity against M. bovis (MIC62؍ m mg/ml). The naphthoquinone 7-methyljuglone was the most active compound, with an MIC as low as 1.55 m mg/ml against pathogenic M. bovis. M. bovis BCG was not as susceptible to the test compounds as the pathogenic strain, but similar patterns of activity were observed between all the strains tested. M. smegmatis appeared to be a better predictor of antimycobacterial activity against pathogenic M. bovis (and M. tuberculosis), while MIC values obtained using M. fortuitum correlated well with those of M. bovis BCG.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PLOS ONE, 2015
Background Unpasteurised fresh and souring dairy products form an essential component of househol... more Background Unpasteurised fresh and souring dairy products form an essential component of household diets throughout many rural communities in southern Africa. The presence of milk-borne zoonotic pathogens such as Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis and zoonotic tuberculosis in humans, constitute a public health threat, especially in remote areas with poor disease surveillance in livestock and highly compromised human health due to HIV/AIDS. Methods In this study we used culture to determine the longevity of M. bovis in experimentally inoculated fresh and naturally souring milk obtained from communal cattle in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The effect of bacterial load and storage temperature on the survival of M. bovis was evaluated by spiking mixtures of fresh milk and starter soured milk (aMasi) culture with three concentrations of bacteria (10 2 , 10 4 , 10 7 colony forming units/ml), followed by incubation under controlled laboratory conditions that mimicked ambient indoor (20°C) and outdoor (33°C) temperatures and periodic sampling and testing over time (0-56 days). Results M. bovis cultured from samples of the fresh and souring milk was identified by PCR analysis. At the highest spiking concentration (10 7 cfu/ml), M. bovis survived for at least 2 weeks PLOS ONE |
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2008
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2010
sakorn S, et al. Causes of acute, undifferentiated, febrile illness in rural Thailand: results of... more sakorn S, et al. Causes of acute, undifferentiated, febrile illness in rural Thailand: results of a prospective observational study.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2015
Tuberculosis in Animals: An African Perspective, 2019
During the past two decades, epidemiology as a discipline has undergone marked changes resulting ... more During the past two decades, epidemiology as a discipline has undergone marked changes resulting in a proliferation of subspecialties, one of which is molecular epidemiology. Molecular epidemiology is defined as the application of molecular markers to solve epidemiological problems, and it includes the use of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and population genetic characterization of causal organisms. It is thus a discipline that allows one to conduct a “forensic” audit of the disease dynamics in a population by superimposing host and/or pathogen molecular markers to population structure-based practices and events in time and space. This is usually done retrospectively; therefore, understanding the history of a population is critical to effectively utilize the data generated by molecular epidemiological techniques. The history of Africa was shaped by both local and international events, all of which directly or indirectly affected the health of its people and animals. This chapter describes...
Tuberculosis in Animals: An African Perspective
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is cha... more Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, systemic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is characterized by gradual physical deterioration, lymphadenopathy, and development of tuberculous lesions that may be extensive, mainly in the lungs and associated lymph nodes. The presence of lesions in other body systems is possible and varies according to the route of infection and the extent of dissemination of the