Publication Highlight: Evidence of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in shared water sources at livestock – wildlife – human interfaces in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
A recent study by our GenPath Africa colleagues Michele Miller, Wynand Goosen, Rob Warren and Tanya Kerr from Stellenbosch University (SU) found evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria in water sources shared by animals and humans in rural South Africa.
What is this publication about?
In this new study, researchers conducted genomic analysis of water samples taken from shared water sources in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an area where livestock, wildlife and humans interact on a regular basis and tuberculosis is a continuous threat. The study found evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria (MTBC) – which can cause disease in animals and people – in the water of multiple sampling sites.
Why is this important
It has been long been believed that tuberculosis is transmitted directly between infected individuals with prolonged close contact. However, more recently, researchers have discovered a potential risk of spread through contact with an environment that has been contaminated with tuberculosis bacteria. By determining that MTBC are indeed present in shared water sources, scientists are one step closer to finding out if the disease can spread indirectly through the environment.
How can this make a difference?
Understanding how tuberculosis is spread is crucial when developing effective methods of disease surveillance and control. If the environment does play a role in disease transmission, this study can lay the groundwork for necessary new public health policies to address this risk and prevent the disease from spreading further.
Megan C. Matthews, Deborah M. Cooke, Tanya J. Kerr, Andre G. Loxton, Robin M. Warren, Giovanni Ghielmetti, Elizabeth M. Streicher, Carmel S. Witte, Michele A. Miller, Wynand J. Goosen, "Evidence of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in shared water sources at livestock – wildlife – human interfaces in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Volume 12, 28 February 2025. doi:10.3389/fvets.2025.1483162.
