Zoonotic tuberculosis: the role of animals in human tuberculosis with some special references to South East Asia

Abstract

The literature on zoonotic tuberculosis is reviewed, starting with a brief mention of the classification of mycobacteria causing tuberculosis. Descriptions of the diseases in man caused by the various mycobacteria are made, with an assessment of the frequency and importance of these infections.

The reservoirs of infection in animals and ways in which these infections are transmitted to man are discussed. The various methods of controlling zoonotic tuberculosis are then covered including a review of some of the less successful attempts to reduce the incidence of disease in animals by vaccination or treatment.

Finally a review of the literature on the situation in South East Asia is made with some conclusions as to what may be done in the future to control zoonotic tuberculosis more successfully.