In a new study, GenPath Africa colleagues Leka Mhlophe,Tanya Kerr, Michele Miller, and Wynand Johan Goosen from Stellenbosch University have developed a more robust way to detect tuberculosis (TB) in wildlife. Their research introduces a culture-independent approach that can accurately distinguish between different types of bacteria in complex samples, providing a vital tool for managing the health of high-value African buffaloes.

What is this publication about?

Researchers investigated 19 African buffaloes from herds with no history of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection but which had shown confusing, discordant results in standard immunological TB tests. The team collected oronasal swabs (nose and mouth samples), which are less invasive and easier to obtain than conventional respiratory samples. Instead of relying on growing the bacteria in a lab—a slow process that often fails because other environmental bacteria grow faster—they extracted DNA directly from the swabs. Using targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) with Oxford Nanopore technology, they were able to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA in 8 out of 19 samples, along with various other harmless environmental mycobacteria.

Why is this important?

Traditional TB tests in buffaloes are often hindered by "false positives" caused by environmental bacteria that trigger a similar immune response to actual TB. Furthermore, conventional lab cultures often miss TB when it is present in very low amounts because other microbes outcompete it. This study demonstrates that advanced DNA sequencing is a powerful ancillary tool that can find "hidden" TB DNA that older methods missed. It helps explain confusing test results and provides a much deeper understanding of the diverse community of bacteria living in the respiratory tracts of these animals.

How can this make a difference?

African buffaloes are keystone species essential to South Africa’s ecosystems and economy through ecotourism and game sales. Confusing test results can lead to unnecessary farm quarantines, movement restrictions, and the loss of genetically valuable individuals. By providing a more precise, culture-independent detection method, this research helps veterinarians and wildlife managers make better-informed decisions. Ultimately, these insights strengthen disease surveillance and control, ensuring that buffaloes can be moved safely between reserves while protecting South Africa’s unique biodiversity from the spread of animal TB.

Sinegugu Kholeka Mhlophe, Charlene Clarke, Giovanni Ghielmetti, Megan Matthews, Tanya Jane Kerr, Michele Ann Miller and Wynand Johan Goosen, "Culture-independent detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA using targeted next generation sequencing in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) oronasal swabs in South Africa." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025; 12: 1523628. doi:10.3389/fvets.2025.1523628.