Genomic Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis

The genomic epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis applies high-resolution DNA sequencing to understand the evolution, transmission and population structure of this zoonotic pathogen. Whole-genome sequencing has supplanted lower-resolution genotyping by capturing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the entire genome, thereby enabling precise reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships between strains isolated from cattle, wildlife or human cases. This approach has illuminated micro-epidemics on farms, traced long-term persistence in wildlife reservoirs and revealed cross-species spillover events. Comparative genomics and pangenome analyses have further defined core and accessory gene repertoires, clarifying lineage-specific insertions and deletions associated with virulence. Such insights underpin targeted control strategies, inform movement restrictions and support One Health frameworks by linking animal and public health surveillance. The global application of genomic data also facilitates the mapping of international clonal complexes, contributing to the design of regionally appropriate eradication programmes and enhancing our understanding of M. bovis dissemination at local, national and transboundary scales.

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Genomic Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in genomic epidemiology of mycobacterium bovis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Genomic epidemiology: The integration of genome sequencing data with epidemiological methods to track and analyse pathogen spread.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS): A laboratory technique that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome in a single process.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A variation at a single nucleotide position in the genome used as a marker for phylogenetic and outbreak analysis.

Spoligotyping: A molecular typing method for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex based on the presence or absence of specific spacer sequences in the CRISPR region.

Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR): A genetic marker consisting of tandemly repeated DNA motifs whose copy number varies between strains, used for strain differentiation.

Pangenome: The full complement of genes within a species, including both core genes present in all strains and accessory genes found in some.

References

1. Whole-Genome sequencing in routine Mycobacterium bovis epidemiology – scoping the potential. Microbial Genomics (2024).
2. Inside Mycobacterium bovis SB0120 spoligotype circulating in Italy: analysis of the most frequent genotypes by whole genome sequencing. Frontiers in Microbiology (2024).
3. Phylogenetic analysis of Mycobacterium bovis reveals animal and zoonotic tuberculosis spread between Morocco and European countries. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2025).
4. Mycobacterium bovis: From Genotyping to Genome Sequencing. Microorganisms (2020).
5. Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Local Transmission Patterns of Mycobacterium bovis in Sympatric Cattle and Badger Populations. PLOS Pathogens (2012).