Mycobacterium bovis
Quick Summary
Mycobacterium bovis is a type of bacterium that causes tuberculosis in cattle and can also infect humans. This bacterium belongs to the genus Mycobacterium, which includes species responsible for diseases like tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and leprosy (M. leprae). While some mycobacteria live freely in soil and water, others are parasites. Infections caused by Mycobacterium species can be treated with antibiotics such as streptomycin and rifampin.1
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MycobacteriumM. bovis causes tuberculosis in cattle and in humans. Some mycobacteria are saprophytes (i.e., they live on decaying organic matter), and others are obligate parasites. Most are found in soil and water in a free-living form or in diseased tissue of animals. Streptomycin, rifampin, and…
Read MoreM. bovis causes tuberculosis in cattle and in humans. Some mycobacteria are saprophytes (i.e., they live on decaying organic matter), and others are obligate parasites. Most are found in soil and water in a free-living form or in diseased tissue of animals. Streptomycin, rifampin, and…
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tuberculosisOther mycobacterial infectionsAnother species, M. bovis, is the cause of bovine tuberculosis. M. bovis is transmitted among cattle and some wild animals through the respiratory route, and it is also excreted in milk. If the milk is ingested raw, M. bovis readily infects humans. The bovine bacillus may be…
Read MoreAnother species, M. bovis, is the cause of bovine tuberculosis. M. bovis is transmitted among cattle and some wild animals through the respiratory route, and it is also excreted in milk. If the milk is ingested raw, M. bovis readily infects humans. The bovine bacillus may be…
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