Editorial: One Health Approach to Mycobacterial Infections in Veterinary Science

María Jimena Marfil¹María Julia Traversa²Soledad Barandiaran³Ximena Ferrara Muñiz⁴Martín José Zumárraga⁵Maria Emilia Eirin^5*

• ¹Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Michigan, United States
• ²Laboratorio de Micobacterias. Dto. SAMP, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CIVETAN, CIC, CONICET, Campus Universitario, Tandil, Argentina
• ³(INPA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires Instituto de Investigaciones en Produccion Animal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• ⁴Servicio de Micobacterias, Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET) Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• ⁵CONICET Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Molecular Biology (IABIMO), Castelar, Argentina

2025) reviewed M. orygis, reporting its rising incidencewhich was classified as a specie in 2012, noting a marked increase in cases and emphasizing the need for advanced molecular tools to improve approaches for genomic characterizationdiversity and surveillance (Sintchencko et alSintchencko et al). They stress the need for global, harmonized monitoring systems that account for regional One Health dynamics.Accurate diagnosis is essential for identifying etiological agents. Agricultural expansion into natural ecosystems increases the risk of infections by poorly characterized mycobacteria living in natural ecosystems. mycobacterial species, highlighting the need for studies on their taxonomy and functional traits. 2025) reported mixed M. tuberculosis infection (Lineages 1 and 4) in a captive African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in South Africa, presenting pneumonia and seropositivity. These findings highlightRespiratory samples revealed Lineages (1 and 4) common in local human cases, underscoring the need for measures to prevent reversezoonotic transmission in high-burden regions (Ghielmetti et al). This case illustrates pathogen circulation between humans and wildlife in managed environments, requiring integrated veterinary-public health surveillance.Ghielmetti et al). Sintchenko et al. ( 2025) reviewed zoonotic transmission of M. orygis, identifying multiple human-animal pathways. In India, M. orygis-related TB exceeds M. bovis cases, and its rising global prevalence, particularly in Asia, spotlighthighlights its dual zoophilic and anthropophilic potential. These insights reinforce the need for cross-sector cooperation to detect emerging MTBC members capable of crossing species barriers. (Sintchenko et al).Developing effective tools for mycobacteriosis control is critical to combat tuberculosis. Currently, BCG remainsis the only licensed vaccine, yet its limitations highlightunderscore the need for improved candidates, optimized administration strategies, and compatible diagnostics. Fernández et al. (2025) evaluated heat-and phage-inactivated prototypes of M. bovis, M. caprae, and M. microti strains for protection in mice and diagnostic interference in animal's experimental modelsguinea pigs. Heat-inactivated vaccines showed greater interference with PPD-B and P22 antigens than phage-inactivated ones, though all were compatible with defined antigen-based tests. (ESAT-6, CFP-10, Rv3615c). Heat-inactivated M. microti (strain 16Z002093) exhibited the best overall performance (Fernández et al).Fernández et al.). Cuenca Lara et al. (2025) evaluated tuberculin test (TST)the potential interference of tuberculin testing in goats vaccinated with the BCG Danish strain 1331 and heat-inactivated M. bovis using intranasal and subcutaneous routes. Aapproaches. The heterologous primeboost regimen (BCG administered subcutaneously followed by intranasal heat-inactivated M. bovis) and the single-dose intranasal BCG achieved higher diagnostic specificity in TSTskin tests and Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRA),) compared to homologous strategies, while preserving systemic cellular responses. Further evaluationThe authors recommend further assessment under MTBC challenge conditions was recommended (Cuenca Lara et al). These strategies could improve TB control in livestock and reduce diagnostic cross-reactivity affecting trade and public health, while providing adaptable vaccination and diagnostic tools for diverse production systems.Cuenca Lara et al.).