Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates recovered from goats were originally classified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis subsp. caprae; however, this subspecies was recently reclassified as Mycobacterium bovis subsp. caprae. Besides biochemical (sensitivity to pyrazinamide) and epidemiological features, strains of this unusual member of the M. tuberculosis complex show a special combination of pncA, oxyR, katG and gyrA gene polymorphisms. Sequence analysis of the gyrB gene in these strains reveals special nucleotide substitutions not found in other members of the M. tuberculosis complex that can be used to differentiate caprine mycobacterial strains from M. bovis and other members of the M. tuberculosis complex. M. tuberculosis subsp. caprae now appears not to be restricted to Spanish goats, as strains of this organism have been isolated from cattle, wild boar and pigs. Its occurrence has also been reported in France, Austria and Germany. Two studies on the evolution of the M. tuberculosis complex based on the presence/absence of regions of difference have shown that the group of caprine isolates (or its ancestor) is older than M. bovis (or its ancestor). These findings reinforce the original suggestion that the caprine mycobacterial strains are a taxon of the M. tuberculosis complex, independent of M. bovis. Within the current context of the existing nomenclature of the M. tuberculosis complex, it is proposed that M. tuberculosis subsp. caprae be elevated to species status, as Mycobacterium caprae comb. nov., sp. nov.

Genes encoding the CMY-2, CTX-M-14, and SHV-12 β-lactamases were detected in three of five Escherichia coli isolates from fecal samples from healthy chickens which showed resistance or diminished susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. A −42 mutation at the promoter region of the ampC gene was detected in the other two isolates.

Mycobacterium bovis infection in wildlife and feral species is a potential source of infection for livestock and a threat to protected and endangered species. The aim of this study was to identify Spanish wild animal species infected with M. bovis through bacteriological culture and spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping) of isolates for epidemiological purposes. This study included samples from red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), fallow deer ( Dama dama ), wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardina ), hare ( Lepus europaeus ), and cattle ( Bos taurus ). They were collected in several geographical areas that were selected for their unique ecological value and/or known relationships between wildlife and livestock. In the areas included in this survey, M. bovis strains with the same spoligotyping pattern were found infecting several wild species and livestock, which indicates an epidemiological link. A locally predominant spoligotype was found in these areas. Better understanding of the transmission and distribution of disease in these populations will permit more precise targeting of control measures.

Mycobacterium caprae is a pathogen that can infect animals and humans. To better understand the epidemiology of M. caprae, we spoligotyped 791 animal isolates. Results suggest infection is widespread in Spain, affecting 6 domestic and wild animal species. The epidemiology is driven by infections in caprids, although the organism has emerged in cattle.