Mycobacterium bovis tuberculosis: forgotten, but not gone.

The article reports on tuberculosis in human beings caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M bovis) bacteria. The author focuses on a case study conducted that considered six young people infected with the disease. The history of the M bovis bacteria is discussed in detail. Since the early 20th century, outbreaks of M bovis in wild animals have deterred efforts of eradicating the bacteria from cattle populations. Airbourne transmission of the bacteria is reportedly rare but evidence suggests that transmission from person-to-person can occur. Transmission of M bovis is a particular concern for individuals that are immunosuppressed.