Mycobacteriosis

Mycobacteriosis

Basic Information

Definition

A systemic infection by acid-fast organisms of the genus Mycobacterium.

Synonyms

• Mycobacterial infection

• Amphibian tuberculosis (This name is a misnomer in that “tubercle” is a description of the lesions mammals form when infected by certain specific species of Mycobacterium, notably M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. Amphibians are not infected by these species.)

Epidemiology

Species, Age, Sex

Any species, age, sex

Genetics and Breed Disposition

A high incidence has been reported in clawed frogs, Xenopus spp., but this is likely the result of these taxa being overrepresented through use in biomedical research.

Risk Factors

• Exposure to other known infected amphibians

• Enclosures with rough surfaces such as concrete, degraded fiberglass, and other abrasive substances

• Chronic stress associated with crowding and other poor husbandry practices

Contagion and Zoonosis

Atypical Mycobacteria, such as the taxa that infect amphibians, may infect humans.

Associated Conditions and Disorders

• Weight loss despite good appetite

Clinical Presentation

Disease Forms/Subtypes

• Granulomatous disseminated infection

Mycobacteriosis A salamander affected with mycobacteria. Note the granulomatous lesions in the different organs. (Photo courtesy Jörg Mayer, The University of Georgia, Athens.)

• Rarely, infection may be limited to cutaneous nodules, but this usually rapidly progresses to systemic disease spread through the lymphatics.

History, Chief Complaint

• Weight loss despite good appetite

• Cutaneous nodules that may be gray, tan, or white

Physical Exam Findings

• Weight loss

• Gray, tan, or white nodules in the skin, with or without ulcerations

• Palpation or transillumination may reveal granulomas of the internal organs.

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