Characterization of Mycobacterium orygis, Mycobacterium bovis, and Mycobacterium caprae Infections in Humans in Western Canada.

Abstract

Epidemiologic research on zoonotic tuberculosis historically used Mycobacterium bovis as a surrogate measure, however, increased reports of human tuberculosis caused by other animal-associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members like Mycobacterium orygis necessitates their inclusion. We performed a retrospective cohort study including persons infected with any animal-lineage M. tuberculosis complex species in Alberta, Canada, from January 1995 to July 2021, identifying 42 patients (20 M. bovis, 21 M. orygis, one M. caprae). Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics were compared against persons with culture-confirmed M. tuberculosis infection. The proportion of culture-positive infections caused by M. orygis increased continuously from 2016-2020. Significantly more females at a higher median age were impacted by M. orygis, with all patients originating from South Asia. M. bovis caused significantly more extra-pulmonary disease, and disproportionately impacted young females, particularly those pregnant or post-partum. All infections were acquired abroad. These findings can aid in developing targeted public health interventions.