Human Mycobacterium bovis infection: A multicentre retrospective study conducted by the Madrid Study Group for Mycobacteria (GEMIMAD).

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate trends and clinical characteristics of Mycobacterium bovis human tuberculosis cases, describe the epidemiological features, and compare risk factors associated with extrapulmonary and pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on M. bovis infection cases confirmed by culture from seven clinical microbiology laboratories in Madrid, Spain, from 2010 to 2022. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from the hospital database. Tuberculosis (TB) cases were classified as extrapulmonary (EPTB) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), with disseminated TB cases excluded from statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Among 3670 patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection, M. bovis was identified in 66 patients, representing 1.8% of the total. PTB and EPTB were identified in 45.5% and 39.4% of cases, respectively, with 15.1% having disseminated TB. PTB was significantly associated with males and Spanish nationality, while EPTB was more prevalent among females and those with a rural lifestyle.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed an escalating trend in M. bovis tuberculosis cases. Middle-aged patients, including a substantial immigrant population, were predominantly affected. Female gender and a rural lifestyle were associated to extrapulmonary disease.