Abstract

The pathology, frequency and diagnostic implications of 'no visible lesion' (NVL) tuberculosis (Tb), i. e. infection with Mycobacterium bovis in the absence of macroscopic lesions, are described in a wide taxonomic range of wildlife hosts. Information collected and evaluated on the definition and occurrence of NVL Tb, histopathological characteristics, post-mortem techniques to detect minimal lesions, and diagnostic difficulties revealed most Tb-infected individuals with NVL had minute tuberculous lesions, which were difficult to see by eye. Acid-fast organisms (AFO) were sometimes detected in the lesions. Ideally, mycobacterial culture of pools of lymph nodes and/or oropharyngeal tonsils is necessary for the accurate diagnosis of Tb in the absence of macroscopic lesions. At a very minimum, the diagnostic methods applied for studying the prevalence of Tb in the population should be clearly described, to allow comparison between studies.

Keywords

Bovine tuberculosis; Mycobacterium bovis; wildlife; Eurasian badger (Meles meles); brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula); cervids; ferrets (Mustela furo); European wild boar (Sus scrofa)

Published in

New Zealand Veterinary Journal
2009, Volume: 57, number: 3, pages: 122-131
Publisher: NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY ASSOC INC

SLU Authors

• Gavier Widén, Dolores

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages


UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2009.36891

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/49757