Do Rats Cause Tuberculosis?
WouterThe question of whether rats cause tuberculosis has been around for over a century. Interestingly, research on rat tuberculosis has been done in mice and rats, and has revealed that they are susceptible to the disease. Several studies have examined the immunological and pathological characteristics of rat tuberculosis. Some studies have found evidence that rats are susceptible to gram-negative bacteria, while others report that the infection is asymptomatic.
Rats are useful in diagnosing TB, but they have limitations. These animals are not as sensitive as human patients and are not as easy to keep. As a result, a study using rats could be more useful. It would help detect tuberculosis earlier, which would reduce the risk of transmission. However, rat-based tests are still in their infancy, and further studies are needed to determine if rat-based tests are a viable option.
The researchers trained African giant pouched rats to sniff for TB compounds in sputum samples. When the rats learned to recognize TB samples, they were rewarded with food. Additionally, they were given wheels to play with when they had downtime. The experiment was conducted over 94 days, from January to April 2009.
In Tanzania’s southern highlands, scientists trained a giant pouched rat to sniff for the presence of tuberculosis. The rat’s ability to detect the presence of TB bacteria in sputum samples was compared to traditional bacterial cultures and Ziehl-Neelsen stain-based assays. The researchers then conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of the method. The results confirmed that the rat was capable of detecting TB, but further testing is required.
