Bovine Tuberculosis with Special Reference to its Spread in Egypt: A Review Article

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is one of the most recognized endemic 
zoonotic diseases in the world, including Egypt. Mycobacterium bovis belongs to 
the strain of Mycobacterium TB complex, which is the main cause of bovine 
tuberculosis, which spreads via inhalation of infected droplets or consumption of 
infected food and water. Bovine tuberculosis causes severe economic loss, which 
has major implications on animal health, ranging from decreased milk output, 
weight losses, infertility, meat condemnation or even mortalities. Antemortem 
and postmortem examinations are used for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. 
Antemortem procedures rely on either cellular or humoral immunological 
responses, whereas postmortem diagnosis is based on proper visual inspection 
and palpation. The tubercles are mainly found in lymph nodes, notably those in 
the bronchial, retropharyngeal, and mediastinal regions, with some exhibiting 
cheesy material when cut during meat inspection processes on animal carcasses 
at slaughterhouses. However, the bacteria can also spread throughout the blood, 
cause a systemic infection, and damage other organs. The histopathological 
examination is distinguished by the granuloma formation, including central 
necrosis, chronic inflammatory cell aggregation, mineralization, and peripheral 
fibrosis. Other diagnostic tests, such as bacterial isolation and PCR, are necessary 
to establish a final diagnosis. Vaccination, hygienic measurements and proper 
diagnosis are critical for preventing and controlling TB in humans and animals.  

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Journal of Current Veterinary Research
Volume 6, Issue 2
October 2024
Pages 204-225

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