Antemortem Diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-ranging African Lions (Panthera leo) and Implications for Transmission

摘要: Diagnosis of tuberculosis in wildlife often relies on postmortem samples because logistical challenges and lack field-friendly techniques for live animal testing. Confirmation infection through detection infectious organisms is essential studying the pathogenesis epidemiology disease. We describe application a technique to obtain respiratory from free-ranging living lions facilitate viable Mycobacterium bovis under field conditions. identified M. by mycobacterial culture PCR tracheobronchial lavage 8/134 (6.0%) tested Kruger National Park, South Africa. This confirms shedding lions. The implications these results are that infected have potential transmit this disease serve as maintenance hosts.