Introduction. Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by several mycobacteria species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. One of the most important obstacle to eradication of this infection in bovine livestock is the implication of other species and expecially of wildlife in the cycle of the bacterium. The identification of the reservoir hosts is crucial for the effective control measures. The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of the Black wild pigs living in the Nebrodi park of Sicily as probable TB reservoir. Material and methods. During 2008, 149 Nebrodi Black wild pigs were examined. Animals aged between 7 and 24 months were classified as young and those more than 2 years old as adult. During necropsies, lymph nodes and organs harbouring lesions suggestive of tuberculosis were collected for histological and molecular biological techniques. Results. Macroscopically TB compatible granulomatous lesions were found in 9.4% of animals involving head, thorax and/or abdomen. These lesions were observed expecially in young pigs (76%). Respectively 76% and 24% of the lesions were classified as large lesions (more than 1cm in size) and small lesions (less than 1cm). Lesions affecting more than one anatomical region were the most frequent (48%), indicating a generalized TB infection. Sixteen percent of the animals showed macroscopical lesions confined in the head only (mandibular lymph nodes). Histologically the typical tuberculous granuloma with necrotic-calcified core surrounded by a mixed population of epithelioid and giant cells, macrophages and lymphocytes were detected in 88% of the collected samples. PCR investigations revealed the presence of the Mycobacterium genome in all samples. Discussion. This study reports the high incidence of the generalized TB infection in the Nebrodi Black wild pigs and supports their possible role as TB reservoir in the Nebrodi Park. Further investigations aimed to verify the ability of pigs to transmit the disease to other species living in the same area are needed, together with the prevalence and distribution of tuberculosis in cattle sharing the pasture. The data suggest also the need to control this species for the eradication of tuberculosis in the Park.
Black wild pigs of nebrodi park in Sicily: evidence of their possible role as reservoir of mycobacterium tubercolosis complex infection
BOLLO, Enrico;AMEDEO, Stefano;VALENZA, Federico;CAPUCCHIO, Maria Teresa
2008-01-01
Abstract
Introduction. Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by several mycobacteria species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. One of the most important obstacle to eradication of this infection in bovine livestock is the implication of other species and expecially of wildlife in the cycle of the bacterium. The identification of the reservoir hosts is crucial for the effective control measures. The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of the Black wild pigs living in the Nebrodi park of Sicily as probable TB reservoir. Material and methods. During 2008, 149 Nebrodi Black wild pigs were examined. Animals aged between 7 and 24 months were classified as young and those more than 2 years old as adult. During necropsies, lymph nodes and organs harbouring lesions suggestive of tuberculosis were collected for histological and molecular biological techniques. Results. Macroscopically TB compatible granulomatous lesions were found in 9.4% of animals involving head, thorax and/or abdomen. These lesions were observed expecially in young pigs (76%). Respectively 76% and 24% of the lesions were classified as large lesions (more than 1cm in size) and small lesions (less than 1cm). Lesions affecting more than one anatomical region were the most frequent (48%), indicating a generalized TB infection. Sixteen percent of the animals showed macroscopical lesions confined in the head only (mandibular lymph nodes). Histologically the typical tuberculous granuloma with necrotic-calcified core surrounded by a mixed population of epithelioid and giant cells, macrophages and lymphocytes were detected in 88% of the collected samples. PCR investigations revealed the presence of the Mycobacterium genome in all samples. Discussion. This study reports the high incidence of the generalized TB infection in the Nebrodi Black wild pigs and supports their possible role as TB reservoir in the Nebrodi Park. Further investigations aimed to verify the ability of pigs to transmit the disease to other species living in the same area are needed, together with the prevalence and distribution of tuberculosis in cattle sharing the pasture. The data suggest also the need to control this species for the eradication of tuberculosis in the Park.
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