TB Research

From Peruvian mummies to living humans: first case of pulmonary tuberculosis caused by <i>Mycobacterium pinnipedii</i>

Zmak L, Obrovac M, Jankovic Makek M, Perko G, Trkanjec JT

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease · 2019-12

Abstract

The zoonotic potential of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species is well known. However, M. pinnipedii , the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) predominantly in seals and sea lions, has never been isolated from a respiratory specimen in humans. Here we describe the first known human case of pulmonary TB caused by M. pinnipedii in a 79-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic respiratory disease. The epidemiological data did not explain where the patient was exposed to M. pinnipedii , thus leaving the source of transmission unknown.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
  • Zoonoses
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Aged
  • Croatia
  • Female
  • Caniformia