Publication Highlight: Insights into mycobacteriome composition in Mycobacterium bovis-infected African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) tissue samples
In a recent study by GenPath Africa consortium members Wynand Goosen, Michele Miller, Rob Warren, Tanya Kerr and Elizabeth Streicher from Stellenbosch University, researchers developed a new method to characterize the mycobacteria present in animal tissue samples.
What is this publication about?
Using targeted next-generation sequencing, researchers have developed a new method to characterize the 'mycobacteriome' - the community of mycobacteria present in a sample. This study examined the mycobacterial composition in DNA extracted from Mycobacterium bovis-infected, African buffalo tissue samples from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa.
Why is this important?
This research investigates a largely unexplored area: the interactions between different mycobacteria, particularly between Mycobacterium bovis and nontuberculous mycobacteria.
How can it make a difference?
This new approach allows researchers to identify and quantify microorganism communities more quickly and more accurately than traditional techniques like culturing and has the potential to open doors to mycobacterial research, including vaccine development and diagnostics.
Giovanni Ghielmetti, Tanya J. Kerr, Netanya Bernitz, Sinegugu K. Mhlophe, Elizma Streicher, Andre G. Loxton, Robin M. Warren, Michele A. Miller, Wynand J. Goosen. "Insights into mycobacteriome composition in Mycobacterium bovis‑infected African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) tissue samples." Scientific Reports 14, 17537 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68189-x
