Metabolomic changes in the peripheral blood of wild trapped badgers (Meles meles) correlate with bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) infection status.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is the most significant infectious disease of UK cattle. Badgers (Meles meles) can also be infected by M. bovis and may act as a source of infection for cattle. Management of infection risks could be supported by the availability of sensitive blood tests for bTB in badgers. We explored whether metabolomic changes in peripheral blood could be used for the diagnosis of bTB in wild, naturally infected badgers.

Methods

Flow infusion electrospray - high-resolution mass spectrometry (FIE-HRMS) was used to assess the peripheral blood of trapped wild badgers (n = 148) for metabolite changes linked to bTB infection status. Infection status was established by culture, Dual Path Platform (DPP) and interferon (IFN-γ) b

SUBMITTER: Scott-Baumann J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12817511 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature