Prevalence of serum antibodies against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in wild boar in Campania region, Italy

Mycobacterium bovis and related members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are the etiological agents of tuberculosis. Increasing attention has recently been paid to the role played by wild animals in the epidemiology of tuberculosis and particularly regarding the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa). Thus, we performed a cross-sectional survey in wild boar in Campania region to assess the seroprevalence against Mycobacterium bovis or cross-reacting members of the MTBC. Fourty six out of 434 (10.6%; 95% CI 7.71–13.49%) sampled animals presented antibodies against M. bovis by MPB83-ELISA. Statistical analysis indicated that the seropositivity to MTBC was not associated with age, gender, or location of sampling. We also evaluated the correlation between the seropositivity in wild boar and the presence of tuberculosis outbreaks in livestock. Our results suggest that wild boar exposure to MTBC is probably related to the presence of tuberculosis in livestock. The average distance between a positive wild boar and the nearest tuberculosis outbreak in cattle was 7.38 km, lower than the expected mean. In conclusion, the seroprevalence observed in the present study indicates a moderate exposure to MTBC in wild boar in Campania region, which may have important implications not only for conservation but also for animal and public health.