A possible deficiency of cell-mediated immunity in the opossum, Trichosurus vulpecula, in relation to tuberculosis

Abstract

Extract

The Australian opossum, Trichosurus vulpecula, is susceptible to experimental infection with both human and bovine strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Bollinger and Bollinger, 1948). Naturally occurring infections of M. bovis have been reported in opossums in New Zealand (Ekdahl et al., 1970). Smith (1972) has described the lesions seen in such infections as being generalized, suppurative and associated with sinus formation and has mentioned the epidemiological significance of the disease in these animals.