Integrated Diagnostics, Immunological Profiling, and Farm Practices for the Control of Bovine Tuberculosis

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a persistent threat to global livestock health and food security, demanding an integrated approach for effective control and eventual eradication. This study investigated the efficacy of multifactorial disease control strategies by combining advanced diagnostics, immunological profiling, and field-based implementation in cattle across ten high-prevalence farms.120 animals were tested using tuberculin skin tests, interferon-gamma release assays and PCR and it was observed that the HTTP sensitivity could be improved significantly by combining these tests.  The phenotype related to M1 controlled active granulomas which showed high quantities of IFN-γ and TNF-α. According to immunophenotyping, there was a notable difference in macrophage polarization.  As for fibrotic granulomas that often last, there were M2 macrophages which display IL-10 and CD206 proteins.  Analyses of the gene expression profiles by RNA sequencing demonstrated that NOS2, IL12B (M1) and ARG1, IL4R (M2) play major roles in polarized macrophages.  Experiments done in the lab suggested that using IL-4 and dexamethasone can switch macrophages to the M2 phenotype.  Although the vast majority of farmers gave vaccinations, some were not following all the biosecurity protocols when it came to disinfection.  Approaches such as correct diagnostics, shaping the immune system and proper care for the disease worked together to lower the presence of bTB.  By using the results, experts shape new policies for immunization cooperating with other organizations.  It provides a method that can be used to control zoonotic diseases in cattle herds everywhere.