22 - tuberculosis

Question 1

Know the reservoirs for Mycobacterium infections (avium, marinum, bovis, tuberculosis).

Answer 1

M. avium = environment

M. marinum = marine animals and water

M. bovis = cattle, wildlife

M. tuberculosis = humans

Question 2

Identify the major risk factors for human tuberculosis including food-borne and occupational factors. How are humans infected with the various Mycobacterial species?

Answer 2

Consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products from infected cattle

Inhalation of aerosols by farm workers, vets, and slaughter plant workers

GI transmission via infected meat (never documented)

        Vets after elk contact, abattoir workers, zoo workers

Question 3

(tuberculosis)

Describe methods to control and prevent human infections.

Answer 3

1. mandatory pasteurization of milk
2. all slaughtered cattle subjected to veterinary meat inspection examination

Avoid eating unpasteurized milk and dairy products (melody)

Question 4

What is the current status of the eradication program for swine and bovine tuberculosis in the US?

Answer 4

2 states are modified accredited (CA and MI)

others are free

as of 2005 there were less than 10 known infected cattle herds