Oral communication in 31st Annual Congress of the European Society of Mycobacteriology (ESM 2010)

July 4^th, 2010

Rodriguez-Campos S., Bezos J., de Juan L., Romero B., Alvarez J., Castellanos E., Gonzalez S., Saez-LLorente JL., Mateos A., Dominguez L. and Aranaz A.

Mycobacterium caprae (M. caprae) is a member of the M. tuberculosis complex which was first described as the main etiological agent of caprine tuberculosis in Spain. However, this pathogen can also infect other animal species and human beings.
In the present study we have characterised M. caprae isolates from 791 animals by DVR-spoligotyping. The diversity of spoligotypes based on the number of patterns (n=15) and discrimination index (D=0.58) is lower compared to M. bovis. Additionally, we used Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) typing when more than one spoligotype was observed in the same herd. M. caprae infection was widespread in Spain and although the majority of the strains (n=536) were identified in goats, we also observed M. caprae in other domestic and wild animal species [cows (n=235), sheep (n=2), pigs (n=2), wild boars (n=14), red deer (n=1), and fox (n=1)]. Proportion of M. caprae isolates from bovine samples and M. caprae-infected cattle herds increased consistently in the period 2004-2009, highlighting an emergence of this pathogen in cattle.
Unlike results found in reports from other European countries, we observed that the epidemiology in Spain is driven by caprine infections. Considering the damage that M. caprae causes in caprine flocks, the possibility of its transmission to other animal species, and its zoonotic potential, we suggest that relevant legislation should be adapted to address the infection as it is done with M. bovis.

	Servicio de Micobacterias (MYC). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM).
	Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Complutense (UCM).