Pathogenomics and eco-epidemiology of Mycobacterium orygis, an emerging zoonotic tuberculosis organism

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K14969
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 42020:Veterinary medical science-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: THAPA JEEWAN 北海道大学, 人獣共通感染症国際共同研究所, 助教 (40837449)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Tuberculosis / Mycobacterium orygis / Pathogenomics / Molecular epidemiology / Nepal

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Our comparative whole genome analysis of Mycobacterium orygis revealed that it is endemically distributed in South Asia, and there is a threat from Mycobacterium orygis-associated tuberculosis in South Asia and beyond. We did genome analysis of Mycobacterium orygis that was isolated from rhinoceros in Nepal, and the genome analysis showed that it had Mycobacterium orygis specific mutation in anti-SigK factor, which is responsible for higher production of mpt70 and mpt83. We found that Mycobacterium orygis isolates have specific polymorphisms in gyrB, mmpL6, PPE55, Rv2042c, TbD1. We developed a PCR diagnostic method targeting RD301 region that can specifically detect Mycobacterium orygis by differentiating it from other members of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. We performed molecular epidemiological surveillance to understand tuberculosis eco-epidemiology across the human/livestock/wildlife interface in Nepal.

Free Research Field

Veterinary Medicine

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

The research identified that the Mycobacterium orygis is an important causative agent of zoonotic tuberculosis (TB) in south Asia region, and there is a threat from Mycobacterium orygis-associated TB in south Asia and beyond.