Epidemiological investigation of Mycobacterium bovis infection by PCR in dairy cattle milk in Pangalengan, Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a zoonotic disease that primarily affects cattle and may be transmitted to humans through aerosol exposure or consumption of unpasteurized milk. Although Indonesia has no officially reported clinical cases of bTB, molecular surveillance remains essential in dairy production centers.

AIM: This study aimed to detect M. bovis in dairy cattle milk using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to assess the potential risk of zoonotic transmission in Pangalengan, West Java.

METHODS

A total of 60 milk samples were collected from lactating dairy cows in three villages (Pangalengan, Sukamanah, and Margamulya). Deoxyribonucleic acid extraction was performed using a commercial kit, followed by conventional PCR targeting CSB1 and CSB2 gene regions specific for M. bovis. PCR products were analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

All 60 milk samples (100%) tested negative for M. bovis. No specific 168 bp amplicon was detected in any sample; the positive control showed clear amplification.

CONCLUSION

No evidence of M. bovis infection was detected in dairy milk samples from Pangalengan. These findings suggest a minimal current risk of zoonotic tuberculosis transmission via milk in this region; however, continued surveillance is recommended.