Epidemiology And Public Health Implications Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex And Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria In Cattle And Humans In Oyo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The risks of humans contracting bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and other mycobacterial infections abound in Nigeria. This could be attributed to the close association between farmers and cattle, unhealthy meat processing practices by butchers, consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products, and poor knowledge of the disease. The circulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and non-tuberculous mycobacteria in livestock workers and animals are largely unknown. Confirming the sources of exposure in humans will help to guide the direction of prevention and control of the diseases. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of tuberculosis and characterising the mycobacterial species in cattle, livestock workers as well as identifies risk factors associated with the infection in Oyo State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among cattle and livestock workers in the five local government areas (LGA) in Ibadan metropolis, Iwajowa, Ibarapa North, Kajola, Oyo West and Akinyele LGAs. These sites are characterised by cattle population and dairy activities.Fresh milk from 269 pastoral cattle; 295 cheese ―wara”; 150 fermented milk ―nunu”; 124 nasal secretions and 124 faecal samples of slaughtered cattle; with 93 sputum samples from livestock workers collected by multistage sampling were analysed for the presence of Mycobacterium species using conventional culture method, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysishsp65. Furthermore, a survey to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to BTB using pre-tested structured questionnaires was conducted on 124 livestock workers (Herdsmen = 42, Cattle traders = 42 and Butchers = 40) via multistage sampling technique. Data were analysed using chi square and odds ratio at P= 0.05 level of significance.