TB Research

First case of pulmonary tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii in Spain: a case report and review of the literature.

Miguel Fernández-Huerta, Carolina Santamaría-Valencia, María-Isolina Campos-Herrero, Guillermo Pérez-Mendoza, Laura Herrera-León, Ana Bordes-Benítez, José-Antonio Caminero

Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease · 2026-07

Abstract

Usually associated with marine mammals, Mycobacterium pinnipedii infection in humans may occur, primarily among animal keepers. We describe a human tuberculosis case caused by M. pinnipedii in a veterinary scientist in Spain, secondary to a contact with an infected sea-lion. Surveillance of zoonotic tuberculosis is critical for informing global control strategies.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Spain
  • Mycobacterium
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
  • Animals
  • Male
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Zoonoses