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Implications of Interspecies Transmission and Diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-Ranging Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
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  • Tanya Kerr,
  • Wynand Goosen,
  • Rachiel Gumbo,
  • Lin-Mari deKlerk-Lorist,
  • Oonagh Pretorius,
  • Peter Buss,
  • Léanie Kleynhans,
  • Konstantin Lyashchenko,
  • Robin Warren,
  • Paul van Helden,
  • Michele Miller
Tanya Kerr
University of Stellenbosch

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Wynand Goosen
University of Stellenbosch
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Rachiel Gumbo
University of Stellenbosch
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Lin-Mari deKlerk-Lorist
Republic of South Africa Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries
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Oonagh Pretorius
Republic of South Africa Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries
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Peter Buss
South African National Parks
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Léanie Kleynhans
University of Stellenbosch
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Konstantin Lyashchenko
Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc
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Robin Warren
University of Stellenbosch
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Paul van Helden
University of Stellenbosch
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Michele Miller
University of Stellenbosch
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Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection, is a multi-host disease which negatively affects the wildlife industry, with adverse consequences for conservation, ecotourism, and game/wildlife sales. Although interspecies transmission has been reported between some wildlife hosts, the risk of spread in complex ecosystems is largely unknown. As a controlled disease, tools for accurate detection of M. bovis infection is crucial for effective surveillance and management, especially in wildlife populations. There are however, limited species-specific diagnostic tests available for wildlife. Hippopotamuses are rarely tested for M. bovis infection and infection has not previously been confirmed in these species. In this study, blood and tissue samples collected from common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) residing in a bTB endemic area, the Greater Kruger Protected area (GKPA), were retrospectively screened to determine whether there was evidence for interspecies transmission of M. bovis, and to identify tools for M. bovis detection in this species. Using the multi-species DPP® VetTB serological assay, a bTB seroprevelance of 8% was found in hippopotamus from GKPA. In addition, the first confirmed case of M. bovis infection in a free-ranging common hippopotamus is reported, based on the isolation in mycobacterial culture, genetic speciation, and detection of DNA in tissue samples. Importantly, the M. bovis spoligotype (SB0121) isolated from this common hippopotamus is shared with other M. bovis-infected hosts in GKPA, suggesting interspecies transmission. These results support the hypothesis that M. bovis infection may be under recognized in hippopotamus. Further investigation is needed to determine the risk of interspecies transmission of M. bovis to common hippopotamus in bTB endemic ecosystems and evaluate serological and other diagnostic tools in this species.
20 Jul 2020Submitted to Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
20 Jul 2020Submission Checks Completed
20 Jul 2020Assigned to Editor
23 Jul 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 Sep 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Sep 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Sep 20201st Revision Received
29 Sep 2020Submission Checks Completed
29 Sep 2020Assigned to Editor
29 Sep 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Jan 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Jan 2021Editorial Decision: Accept