Zoonotic Tuberculosis and Dairy Products: Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Public Health Implications
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern, with unpasteurized milk serving as a major source of zoonotic Mycobacterium bovis transmission in endemic, low-resource regions.
Objective: This meta-analysis investigates the prevalence of human TB cases linked to contaminated dairy products, assesses factors influencing transmission dynamics and identifies actionable strategies to reduce risks.
Methods: A systematic meta-analysis of TB cases from contaminated dairy consumption was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus (2000-2024). Eligible studies reported human TB prevalence. Data were extracted systematically, and statistical analyses (MedCalc) assessed heterogeneity (Cochran's Q, I2). Random- or fixed-effects models were applied, with subgroup, sensitivity and publication bias analyses performed.
Results: This meta-analysis reviewed 25 studies from 2000 to 2024, encompassing 10,508 samples, to assess zoonotic TB linked to dairy consumption. Detection rates ranged widely from 0.77% to 49%, with molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showing higher sensitivity (up to 49%) than culture techniques (21%-35%). Prevalence was greater in TB-endemic areas such as Ethiopia, Mexico and Tanzania, where raw dairy samples outperformed blood diagnostics in positivity. Notably, the highest detection rates were observed in confirmed M. bovis cases with a history of raw milk consumption, underscoring the zoonotic risk in unregulated dairy contexts.…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Nano Biosensors: Properties, applications and electrochemical techniques
- Electrochemically Synthesized MIP Sensors: Applications in Healthcare Diagnostics
- Toward a Harmonization for Using in situ Nutrient Sensors in the Marine Environment
- Electrochemical determination of rutin by using NiFe2O4 nanoparticles-loaded reduced graphene oxide
- Application of Polyoxometalate-based composites for sensor systems: A review
- Sensitive Electrochemical and Thermal Detection of Human Noroviruses Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles Generated against a Viral Target
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.