Mycobacteria are a group of microorganisms with defined characteristics, widely distributed in various environments, including water and soil. They can be classified into mycobacteria causing tuberculosis in mammals, within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), and non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). These bacteria pose significant concerns in veterinary sciences due to their ability to infect livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and humans. The current problem lies in the complex epidemiological cycle of transmission, exacerbated by intensive production systems and the encroachment of agricultural activities into natural regions. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic nature of mycobacterial infections, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and specific treatments to prevent antibiotic resistance. However, there is a gap in comprehensive strategies that address the human-animal-environment interface, necessitating a One Health approach to tackle these multifaceted issues effectively.
This research topic aims to enhance our understanding of mycobacteria of veterinary concern through a One Health approach. The main objectives include investigating the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mycobacterial infections in various animal species, understanding the zoonotic and reverse-zoonotic transmission dynamics, and developing integrated strategies for disease control and prevention. Specific questions to be addressed include the mechanisms of interspecies transmission, the impact of environmental factors on the epidemiological cycle, and the effectiveness of current diagnostic and treatment protocols.
To gather further insights into the complex interactions between mycobacteria, animals, and humans, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Research regarding Mycobacteria of Veterinary Concern in livestock, companion, and wild animals, including drug resistance, vaccine strategies, diagnostic, and epidemiological studies.
- Public and animal health issues, including National Control and Eradication programs, actions applied towards the control of the disease, and education.
- Environmental and non-tuberculous Mycobacteria and their implications in human and animal health.
- Zoonosis and reverse-zoonosis control and prevention strategies.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Classification
Clinical Trial
Community Case Study
Conceptual Analysis
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Classification
Clinical Trial
Community Case Study
Conceptual Analysis
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Policy and Practice Reviews
Review
Study Protocol
Systematic Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: mycobacteria, zoonosis, tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis, veterinary, one health, eradication and control, drug resistance, epidemiology, reverse-zoonosis, environment, diagnosis, vaccine, livestock, wild animals
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
