Genetic diversity assessment of Tunisian Mycobacterium bovis population isolated from cattle
BMC Veterinary Research publish this investigation article
December 16th, 2017
Background
The genetic diversity of M. bovis in Tunisia is still underestimated despite the implementation of an eradication program. The lack of data about spatial distribution of the M. bovis population hinders the control of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) progress. This study represents the largest molecular analysis of M. bovis isolates in Tunisia. It is aimed to upgrade the understanding of bTB epidemiology and the geographical distribution of the infection. Tuberculosis research was performed in cattle (n = 149) with TB-compatible lesions collected over 5 months from a slaughterhouse located in Sfax, Tunisia.
Results
Ninety-four animals were found to be infected by M. bovis and two others by M. caprae. Spoligotyping revealed twenty-five patterns, SB0120, SB0134, and SB0121 being the most prevalent profiles (36.4%, 11.4%, and 7.2%, respectively). Three new spoligotypes were detected: SB2345, SB2344 and SB2343. MIRU-VNTR analysis classified the isolates in seventy-three profiles and showed a large genotypic variety observed within the main spoligotype which was split into several MIRU-VNTR types: 29 in SB0120 (h = 0.983), 10 in SB0134 (h = 0.981) and 7 in SB0121 (h = 1). Genotyping revealed a common pattern in different geographic regions. It also showed that Sfax, located in southern-Tunisia, represents a high-risk area with an elevated genetic diversity.
Conclusions
Spatial analysis may provide insights into disease transmission, which affects the effectiveness of eradication campaigns in cattle
Djemal Saifeddine., Siala M., Smaoui S., Kammoun S., Marouane C., Bezos J., Messadi-Akrout F., Romero B. and Gdoura R.
| Department of Life Sciences, Research Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology-Microbiology and Health. Faculty of Sciences. University of Sfax-Tunisia. | |
| Department of Biology. Preparatory Institute for Engineering Studies. University of Sfax-Tunisia. | |
| Department of Microbiology. Regional Hygiene Care Mycobacteriology Laboratory. University of Sfax-Tunisia. | |
| Department of Biology. Faculty of Pharmacy. University of Monastir-Tunisia. | |
 | MAEVA SERVET, S.L.. |
 | Servicio de Micobacterias (MYC). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM). |
