Mycobacterium microti Infections in Free-Ranging Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

We report 3 cases of M. microti infections in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) from western Austria and southern Germany. One diseased animal displayed severe pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and multifocal granulomas on the surface of the pericardium. Two other animals showed alterations of the lungs and associated lymph nodes compatible with parasitic infestation. Results of the phylogenetic analysis including multiple animal strains from the study area showed independent infection events, but no host-adapted genotype. Personnel involved in bovine tuberculosis-monitoring programs should be aware of the fastidious nature of M. microti, its pathogenicity in wildlife, and zoonotic potential.PMID:34286688 | DOI:10.3201/eid2708.210634

Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases - July 21, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Giovanni Ghielmetti Anne M Kupca Matthias Hanczaruk Ute Friedel Hubert Weinberger Sandra Revilla-Fern ández Erwin Hofer Julia M Riehm Roger Stephan Walter Glawischnig Source Type: research