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Journal article
Genomic insights into anthropozoonotic tuberculosis in captive sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and an Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Cambodia
Scientific reports, Vol.14(1), 7343
2024
PMID: 38538629
Abstract
Contact between humans and wildlife presents a risk for both zoonotic and anthropozoonotic disease transmission. In this study we report the detection of human strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sun bears and an Asiatic black bear in a wildlife rescue centre in Cambodia, confirming for the first time the susceptibility of these bear species to tuberculosis when in close contact with humans. After genotyping revealed two different strains of M. tuberculosis from cases occurring between 2009 and 2019, 100 isolates from 30 sun bear cases, a single Asiatic black bear case, and a human case were subjected to whole genome sequencing. We combined single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and exploration of mixed base calls with epidemiological data to indicate the evolution of each outbreak. Our results confirmed two concurrent yet separate tuberculosis outbreaks and established a likely transmission route in one outbreak where the human case acted as an intermediatory between bear cases. In both outbreaks, we observed high rates of transmission and progression to active disease, suggesting that sun bears are highly susceptible to tuberculosis if exposed under these conditions. Overall, our findings highlight the risk of bi-directional transmission of tuberculosis between humans and captive bears in high human tuberculosis burden regions, with implied considerations for veterinary and public health. We also demonstrate the use of standard genomic approaches to better understand disease outbreaks in captive wildlife settings and to inform control and prevention measures.
Details
- Title
- Genomic insights into anthropozoonotic tuberculosis in captive sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and an Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Cambodia
- Authors/Creators
- Kirsty Officer - Murdoch UniversityTimothy M. Walker - Oxford University Clinical Research UnitSokleaph Cheng - Institut Pasteur du CambodgeSeiha Heng - Institut Pasteur du CambodgeMallorie Hidé - Institut Pasteur du CambodgeAnne-Laure Bañuls - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Montpellier, FranceJonathan Cracknell - Documentation Center of CambodiaNev Broadis - Documentation Center of CambodiaNhim Thy - Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and FisheriesSam Abraham - Murdoch UniversityKris Warren - Murdoch UniversityBethany Jackson - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Scientific reports, Vol.14(1), 7343
- Publisher
- Nature Publishing Group UK
- Identifiers
- 991005651446007891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2024
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Disease Laboratory; Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.194 Tuberculosis & Leprosy
- 1.194.273 TB Diagnostics & Treatment
- Web Of Science research areas
- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science