Mycobacteriosis

Mycobacteriosis

Basic Information

Definition

Infection with a species of the genus mycobacteria. Mycobacteria are characterized as nonmotile, aerobic or microaerophilic, nonsporulating, slightly curved and slender rod-shaped organisms. In reptiles infections often produce granulomas.

Synonym

Mycobacteriosis is sometimes incorrectly referred to by laypeople as tuberculosis, a term that is specific for infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This should be corrected and clarified.

Epidemiology

Species, Age, Sex

• Mycobacteriosis is a disease of concern in all vertebrates, including all reptiles.

• Because of the longer time course often seen with mycobacteriosis, diseased animals are more commonly presented as adults.

• No sex predilections are known.

Risk Factors

• Immune suppressed animals appear to be at greatest risk for disease.

• Husbandry deficiencies are a common source of immune suppression.

Contagion and Zoonosis

• The mycobacterial cell wall is very distinct from that of other bacterial species and protects the organism well.

• Many Mycobacterium spp. are very stable in the environment, especially in aquatic or moist environments.

• Disinfectants that are labeled to have mycobactericidal activity should be selected.

• Zoonotic risk varies significantly between different Mycobacterium species. Of species reported from natural infections of reptiles, M. marinum and M. ulcerans present the most significant zoonotic risk.

• Clinical signs of both of these species are nonhealing skin ulcers. Other species, such as M. agri, M. confluentis, M. hiberniae, and M. phlei, have not been found to cause disease in immune competent humans.

• All Mycobacterium spp. should be considered as presenting risk for immune compromised humans.

Geography and Seasonality

Mycobacteriosis is cosmopolitan. Seasonality has not been reported.

Associated Conditions and Disorders

• Mycobacteriosis in reptiles is associated with granulomatous disease.

• Granulomas can be found in all tissues; lung, alimentary tract, heart, and spleen are common sites.

Clinical Presentation

Disease Forms/Subtypes

Mycobacteriosis can vary depending on the Mycobacterium sp. present and which tissues are affected.

History, Chief Complaint

Common complaints on presentation for mycobacterial disease include nonspecific illness, respiratory disease, and weight loss.

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Tags: Clinical Veterinary Advisor Birds and Exotic Pets

Jul 28, 2016 | Posted by admin in EXOTIC, WILD, ZOO | Comments Off

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