Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycobacterial infections in cats and a dog in Brazil
By Dutra, Bibiana Campello Moglia et al.·Published in Veterinary research communications·2025·Faculdade de Veteriná·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Mycobacterial infections in cats and a dog: A case series from Southern Brazil and one health implications.
Plain-English summary
A dog in Brazil was diagnosed with a serious infection caused by M. tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis in humans) after showing symptoms of multisystemic illness. This case was linked to its owner, who had been treated for TB. Unfortunately, the dog's condition was severe, and it did not survive. The study also reported similar infections in three cats, two of which also had fatal outcomes. These cases highlight the importance of monitoring mycobacterial infections in pets, especially in areas where they might be exposed to human TB.
People also search for: dog tuberculosis symptoms · cat mycobacterial infection treatment · why is my dog sick after owner TB
Abstract
Infections by M. avium and M. tuberculosis in companion animals are little reported. This case series describes four instances of mycobacterial infections in companion animals (three cats and one dog) in southern Brazil. We detail the diagnostic challenges and emphasize their epidemiological relevance in a One Health context. Histopathology, acid-fast bacilli staining, mycobacterial culture and PCR were used to confirm the infections. Clinical presentations, diagnostic workups, and therapeutic outcomes were reviewed. One case involved disseminated infection by M. avium in a cat with partial therapeutic success, representing the first such case reported in Rio Grande do Sul. Two cats were diagnosed with disseminated M. tuberculosis var bovis infection, all with a fatal outcome. A final case of M. tuberculosis var tuberculosis in a dog showed multisystemic dissemination and was linked to an owner previously treated for TB. These findings highlight the underrecognized role of companion animals in the epidemiology of mycobacterial infections in Brazil. Increased awareness and surveillance are needed, particularly in rural settings. A One Health approach is crucial for mitigating risks to both animal and human health.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41021062/