Molecular Identification of Mycobacterium species Based on Genotype MTBC in Goats Slaughtered at Kano Abattoir, Kano State, Nigeria

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex have been on increasing concern and a threat to public health especially in developing countries like Nigeria. This study aimed to identify Mycobacterium species based on Genotype MTBC in goats slaughtered at Kano abattoir in Kano State, Sahel part of Northern Nigeria. Methods: Post-mortem meat inspection for tuberculosis -like lesions, culture, acid-fast staining, TB Ag MPT64 (SD- bioline) and genotype MTBC were carried out. Results: A total of 500 slaughtered goats were examined, out of which 27 have gross TB lesions, which were subjected to culture, acid- fast staining, SD-bioline and genotype MTBC for detection of Mycobacterium spp. Three out of seven (42.9%) were identified as M. bovis, 1/7 (14.3%) was identified as M. tuberculosis and 3/7 (42.9%) were identified as M. bovis sbs caprae. However, it is worth noting that 2 M. bovis and 1 M. tuberculosis species were traced to male goats while the remaining 1 M. bovis and 3 M. bovis sbs caprae species were traced to female goats. Conclusions: The study highlighted the importance of tuberculosis in Goats and its potential public health implications and calls for prompt action towards controlling the disease in Kano abattoir and Nigeria in general