'''Tuberculosis''' is a general term for diseases caused by the tuberculous group of bacteria, [[Mycobacteria spp.|Mycobacteria species]]. ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'', ''[[Mycobacterium bovis]]'', ''[[Mycobacterium avium]]'' are host adapted to humans, cattle and birds respectively. All three types can produce disease in other species; ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' is the most host specific strain and rarely causes progressive disease in species other than humans, ''Mycobacterium bovis'' causes disease in cattle but can affect a number of other species, see [[Bovine Tuberculosis]]. ''Mycobacterium avium'' is the only type that causes disease in birds but it can also affect mammalian species, see [[Avian Tuberculosis]]. | '''Tuberculosis''' is a general term for diseases caused by the tuberculous group of bacteria, [[Mycobacteria spp.|Mycobacteria species]]. ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'', ''[[Mycobacterium bovis]]'', ''[[Mycobacterium avium]]'' are host adapted to humans, cattle and birds respectively. All three types can produce disease in other species; ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' is the most host specific strain and rarely causes progressive disease in species other than humans, ''Mycobacterium bovis'' causes disease in cattle but can affect a number of other species, see [[Bovine Tuberculosis]]. ''Mycobacterium avium'' is the only type that causes disease in birds but it can also affect mammalian species, see [[Avian Tuberculosis]]. |