Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection among Asian Elephants in Captivity

Abstract

Although awareness of tuberculosis among captive elephants is increasing, antituberculosis therapy for these animals is not standardized. We describe Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission between captive elephants based on whole genome analysis and report a successful combination treatment. Infection control protocols and careful monitoring of treatment of captive elephants with tuberculosis are warranted.

Keywords

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• M. tuberculosis
• elephants
• Elephas maximus
• transmission
• whole genome sequencing