Seasonality and mycobacterial infectious diseases in animals and humans: is there a generality of seasonal patterns for mycobacterial infections?

Abstract

Background: Seasonal patterns of mycobacterial infections affecting humans and animals remain a complex and understudied aspect of infectious disease dynamics. These intra-annual patterns are increasingly relevant in the context of global climate change, which may influence the timing and geographic spread of these diseases. A better understanding of such patterns could improve surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods bibliometric review combining bibliographic searches and scoping analysis to synthesize decades of research on the seasonality of mycobacterial infections in humans and animals. We systematically searched three major scientific databases-Scopus, PubMed-MEDLINE, and Web of Science-for articles published between 1971 and April 2023. From an initial dataset of 1830 unique articles, we identified and analysed 122 studies that met predefined inclusion criteria. We extracted information on pathogen type, statistical methods, geographic location, and host species. In addition, we conducted a co-citation network analysis to identify key methodological influences and research clusters.

Results: The retained studies encompassed tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer, bovine tuberculosis, and other mycobacterial diseases such as leprosy and Johne's disease. Most articles focused on tuberculosis in humans, followed by Buruli ulcer caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. There was a marked increase in studies on seasonal trends in tuberculosis and Buruli ulcer over time, with notable variation in geographic and methodological coverage. Research was heavily concentrated in the northern hemisphere, especially in China, while southern regions remained underrepresented. Advanced statistical tools, including generalized linear models and time-series analyses, were instrumental in detecting seasonality, particularly for tuberculosis and Buruli ulcer.

Conclusion: Seasonality appears to be a common yet understudied feature of many mycobacterial infections. Greater interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of appropriate analytical tools are essential to better understand these patterns, especially in underrepresented regions. Addressing methodological and geographic gaps will be crucial to improve responses to these diseases in a changing global environment.