Term Definition Definition
TB classification TB classification TB classification
Exposure Meerkats are classified as exposed to TB if they a) are cohabiting with an individual expressing clinical signs of TB, b) are born into a group with past or ongoing TB history. The exposed status does not change if individuals e.g. emigrate and enter a TB-free group, rather it signifies a high likelihood that individuals had contact with M. suricattae at some point in their life. Exposed individuals may be infected, but do not (yet) express clinical signs. Meerkats are classified as exposed to TB if they a) are cohabiting with an individual expressing clinical signs of TB, b) are born into a group with past or ongoing TB history. The exposed status does not change if individuals e.g. emigrate and enter a TB-free group, rather it signifies a high likelihood that individuals had contact with M. suricattae at some point in their life. Exposed individuals may be infected, but do not (yet) express clinical signs.
Clinical TB signs Meerkats are classified as clinical TB cases from the first day they express clear signs of M. suricattae infection, specifically lymphadenopathy of submandibular, cervical or inguinal lymphnodes, or when they were classified as displaying TB signs by field observers. Individuals with clinical TB are exposed by definition. Meerkats are classified as clinical TB cases from the first day they express clear signs of M. suricattae infection, specifically lymphadenopathy of submandibular, cervical or inguinal lymphnodes, or when they were classified as displaying TB signs by field observers. Individuals with clinical TB are exposed by definition.
Group TB Past or present cases of clinical TB within the respective group. Based on the long subclinical phases, individuals in groups with past, but not current clinical TB, are considered exposed to TB. Current clinical cases are not required for a group to be defined as a group with TB cases. Past or present cases of clinical TB within the respective group. Based on the long subclinical phases, individuals in groups with past, but not current clinical TB, are considered exposed to TB. Current clinical cases are not required for a group to be defined as a group with TB cases.
Susceptibility The time taken for an exposed meerkat to develop clinical signs of TB, used as proxy of individual susceptibility to M. suricattae infection upon exposure. While disease transmission is determined by both exposure and susceptibility to a pathogen, the susceptibility term here encompasses both mechanisms, so ‘exposure’ can be used to describe whether individuals are considered in contact with M. suricattae. The time taken for an exposed meerkat to develop clinical signs of TB, used as proxy of individual susceptibility to M. suricattae infection upon exposure. While disease transmission is determined by both exposure and susceptibility to a pathogen, the susceptibility term here encompasses both mechanisms, so ‘exposure’ can be used to describe whether individuals are considered in contact with M. suricattae.
Resistance The time-period between development of clinical signs and death, representing the capability of an individual to withstand negative effects of the infection. Please note that here, the term resistance is not referring to immune function or implying the nature of immune responses of the individual against M. surciattae but signifies individual capacity to survive with clinical TB. The time-period between development of clinical signs and death, representing the capability of an individual to withstand negative effects of the infection. Please note that here, the term resistance is not referring to immune function or implying the nature of immune responses of the individual against M. surciattae but signifies individual capacity to survive with clinical TB.
Survival Time period between exposure to TB and death, irrespective of development of clinical disease. Time period between exposure to TB and death, irrespective of development of clinical disease.
TB death Individual was euthanized with terminal TB infection or infection was confirmed by post-mortem examination. Individuals clinically ill with TB but dying of other causes are not included here. Individual was euthanized with terminal TB infection or infection was confirmed by post-mortem examination. Individuals clinically ill with TB but dying of other causes are not included here.
Life history parameters Life history parameters
First date First recorded date for the respective individual, i.e. birthdate for individuals born into the study population, or date of first inclusion in the study in case of newly habituated or immigrated individuals. First recorded date for the respective individual, i.e. birthdate for individuals born into the study population, or date of first inclusion in the study in case of newly habituated or immigrated individuals.
Last date Last recorded date for the respective individual, i.e. date of death or last record of the individual before disappearance. Last recorded date for the respective individual, i.e. date of death or last record of the individual before disappearance.
Group start First date of records for the respective group First date of records for the respective group
Group end Recorded date of group failure, irrespective of the nature of this failure (group split, group extinction or group abandoned). Recorded date of group failure, irrespective of the nature of this failure (group split, group extinction or group abandoned).