<i>Mycobacterium microti</i> Infections in Free-Ranging Red Deer (<i>Cervus elaphus</i>)

Abstract Infections with Mycobacterium microti, a member of the M. tuberculosis complex, have been increasingly reported in humans and domestic free-ranging wild animals. At postmortem examination, infected animals may display histopathologic lesions indistinguishable from those caused by bovis or caprae, potentially leading to misidentification bovine tuberculosis. We report 3 cases microti infections red deer (Cervus elaphus) western Austria southern Germany. One diseased animal displayed severe pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia multifocal granulomas on surface pericardium. Two other showed alterations lungs associated lymph nodes compatible parasitic infestation. Results phylogenetic analysis including multiple strains study area independent infection events, but no host-adapted genotype. Personnel involved tuberculosis–monitoring programs should be aware fastidious nature its pathogenicity wildlife, zoonotic potential.