Could TB vaccination of badgers be effective in reducing Bovine TB.?

It is likely that TB is in the soil so cattle would continue to contract TB even if all the badgers, deer etc. were tested then immunised or culled depending on their test results.  The weak (runts), sick and wounded cattle (open wounds or small cuts) would be most vulnerable to contracting TB from the soil, dust etc..  The recent outbreak of polio in children not vaccinated due to the conflict in Syria shows that these diseases are always around.

The best prevention would probably be testing of all cattle, culling the infected and vaccinating the healthy.  However, apparently the current test used for cattle would become invalid after vaccination, I assume this is because it is unable to differentiate between active TB and antibodies to the vaccine.  Until such a test becomes available vaccination is not an option.

A comprehensive badger TB vaccination program would be a massive undertaking at enormous cost.  Badgers are wild and not all of them and their cubs would be caught.  They would have to be kept in captivity pending the test results.  In my view, vaccinating an already infected badger could result in the emergence of a stronger strain of TB.  Also, if its deemed not safe to vaccinate cattle the same would be true of badgers.

Deer also contract and spread TB.  I have seen wild deer wandering around fields with cattle in England. Why are they not being targeted?

Will culling badgers help prevent bovine TB?

Only infected badgers should be culled and this should be effected in such a way as to reduce any transfer of body fluids.  Any, or all, of the body fluids may be infected.  Shooting badgers will cause infected blood to splatter.  Even worse, wounded badgers leaking body fluids may escape and could cause a rapid spread of the disease.  Its likely the bovine TB problem lies in the soil, that TB is in the soil.  TB is dormant below body temperature but becomes active at body temperature e.g. contact with humans and animals  (cattle, badgers, deer etc.).  The wounded and those with weak immune systems would be the most vulnerable to contracting the disease.

Is TB sexually transmitted?

Yes, especially through oral and anal sex. The mouths and throats of people with Pulmonary and Abdominal TB are infectious.  The anus and faecal matter of those with abdominal TB are also infectious.  The blood is infectious, and all other body fluids and the faecal matter of people with Miliary TB may be infectious depending on the severity of the disease.

The following types of TB could be sexually contracted:

• Abdominal TB due to swallowing of infected matter.
• Pulmonary TB due to inhalation of infected matter.
• Miliary TB due to absorption of the bacteria into the blood stream via cuts, especially fresh cuts incurred during sex.  The TB then spreads throughout the body via the blood and later the lymphatic systems and infects the  internal organs, bones etc..
• TB of the skin due to direct contact of bacteria on the skin:
• Lupus Vulgaris: Main type of TB of the skin resulting in infected ulceration of the mouth, tongue, tonsils and oesophagus.
• Erythema Nodosum: This starts off as red lesions which several weeks later turn bluish/purple then fade through the colour changes of a bruise. 

Miliary TB can cause the immune system to become deficient and eventually collapse.  Gay men were particularly vulnerable to sexually contracting this disease during the Gay Liberation years due to their hyper-promiscuity, group sex and rough/violent sex (anal fisting etc.).  In many cases their immune systems were already weakened due to fatigue from their all night "partying", and contracting repeated doses of other STD's eg. syphilis and gonorrhoea.  I believe that their use of amyl nitrate may have facilitated the absorption of TB.  The medical profession were completely baffled when gay men in the West suddenly presented with bluish/purple skin lesions, pneumonia, swollen lymph glands, abdominal problems and other symptoms.  All were clear signs of Miliary TB, which the doctors and specialists failed to recognise because TB had virtually been eradicated in the West (after the introduction of the testing of cattle and the pasteurisation of milk).  It was decided that this was a new disease affecting gay men (AIDS).  Really! What is more likely, that a new disease with exactly the same signs and symptoms as Miliary TB emerged out of nowhere, or, that an old deadly disease (TB) re-emerged?  This disease re-emerged due to: 

• The increased travel of people between the West and Third World Countries
• The migration to the West of people from Third World Countries. 
• Gay liberation in the West.

Later other people in the West contracted Miliary TB (AIDS) via blood transfusion, sexually, contaminated needles, person to person contact (infected body fluids) etc..

People in Third World Countries contracted/contract Miliary TB congenitally (born with TB), through ingestion of infected animal produce (milk and meat), person to person contact, sexually, blood transfusion and handling of infected animals (general handling as well as milking and butchering).

The HIV virus is a secondary opportunistic infection.

Is 'Safe Sex' Safe?

No, safe sex is not completely safe.  It is safer than not using a condom, however, the outside of the condom could become contaminated during sex.  Handling a contaminated condom when removing it may transfer the matter to hands, other body parts and possibly the bedding etc.. Also, people change positions during sex where again, infected matter could transfer.  

What is Abdominal TB?

This is TB which has spread all the way through the digestive system. It is contracted through ingesting TB infected meat and milk. TB was a major problem in the West before the introduction of pasteurisation of milk and testing for TB in cattle, goats etc. 

What are common misconceptions regarding TB?

• That only the lungs become infected.
• That the lungs are always the primary site of infection.

What are the 2 most common primary sites of TB infection?

• The abdomen. In Third World Countries millions of people in rural areas rear and eat their own animals and drink their own milk.
• The lungs (pulmonary TB).

How common is Abdominal TB?

Probably at least as common, if not more common, than pulmonary TB in countries where people ingest TB infected products regularly and where malnutrition is rife. TB was a major problem in the West prior to the introduction of milk pasteurisation and the testing of cattle for TB, after which it was virtually eradicated.

What is Miliary TB?

This is TB, which has spread throughout the body via the blood and lymphatic systems.

How does TB spread in the body?

Via the digestive, blood and lymphatic systems.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Miliary TB?

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• swollen lymph glands (glandular TB)
• Extreme fatigue
• Cough
• Pneumonia
• Laryngitis
• Enlarged spleen
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Gastritis
• Peritonitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Meningitis
• Abscesses (collar stud and groin)
• Skin lesions
  • Lupus Vulgaris: Main type of TB of the skin. Ulceration of the mouth, tongue, tonsils and oesophagus.
  • Erythema Nodosum: This starts off as red lesions which several weeks later turn Bluish/purple then fade through the colour changes of a bruise. Apparently this affliction was typical to butchers who regularly handled infected meat in the olden days when TB was a problem in the West, prior to the introduction of testing of animals for TB.
  • Erythema Induratum (Bazin's disease):  This is mostly seen in young women.  Hard subcutaneous nodules develop on the back of the lower legs.  The nodules, which are purple in colour, may break down forming ulcers which leave deep scars when they heal.  In many of these cases there are signs of TB elsewhere, particularly tuberculous glands.

How does TB transmission occur?

• Droplet infection
• Direct contact with any body fluids if a person is infected with Miliary TB
• Sexually, particularly oral and anal sex.
• Congenital.
• Through the skin especially if the skin has cuts e.g. shaking hands (infected person may have coughed into their hand, touched faecal matter), other contact with infected person and their clothing and possessions.
• Handling TB infected animals, their body fluids, meat, and milk. It causes various types of skin lesions, one of which, Erythema Nodosum, starts off as red lesions which several weeks later turn bluish purple then fade through the colour changes of a bruise.
• Blood transfusion
• Contaminated needles
• Handling (and taking off) used contaminated condoms.
• Ingestion of unpasteurised cow and goat milk and milk products.
• Ingestion of TB infected meat.
• Via the soil. Walking on contaminated soil with bare feet with fresh cuts.

Is Donated Blood tested for TB?

 I had always assumed that donated blood was tested for TB because the disease can spread throughout the body via the blood (Miliary TB), but the more I read about TB the more it appeared that there wasn't a reliable quick test available to test for active TB in the blood. I wrote to my Member of Parliament (MP) in March 2004, regarding this and a number of other issues relating to TB and AIDS. He passed this on to John Reid (the British Minister for Health), who passed it on to Melanie Johnson, (the British Under Secretary of State for Public Health). Only one of the issues I raised was addressed, most were ignored, including this one. I contacted the National Blood Service and was told that donated blood was not tested for TB. Also, I checked and it appeared that it was not tested for in the USA, Australia or South Africa. I wrote again to my MP in August 2004, about this specific issue and he passed this on to Melanie Johnson who responded on 11 October 2004. She wrote, 'the NHS does not screen blood for TB because it is not transmissible through blood transfusion and there has never been a case of transmission. The reason for this is that the TB bacilli are both temperature sensitive and very slow to grow. TB requires a temperature of 37º C. (body temperature) and a period of 6 weeks to grow outside the body. Blood for transfusion is always stored at 4º C. and is transfused with 5 weeks.' I wrote to my MP on 19 October 2004, refuting Melanie Johnson's statement that TB is not transmissible through blood transfusion and that there has never been a case of transmission on the grounds that the TB, which was dormant when stored at 4 degrees C., would reactivate after being transfused and reaching body temperature. I did not receive a reply to this letter even though his secretary confirmed receipt of same. A few years later I read that Jenny Willot (MP), Lord Morris of Manchester (President of the Haemophilia Society) and Mr. R. Morrison (Chairman of the Haemophilia Society) were conducting an investigation into a donated blood issue. In February 2007, I wrote to each of them (fax and hard copy) regarding my concern that donated blood was not tested for TB and attached a copy of Melanie Johnson's letter. I did not receive a response from any of them.

To date, donated blood is still not tested for TB in the UK. 

Tuberculosis is killed by extreme heat, which is one of the reasons why milk is pasteurized. 

How common is Congenital TB?

The general consensus seems to be that the incidence is rare. This may have been the case until about 40-50 years ago, however, I believe it will have increased dramatically in line with the massive increase of malnutrition in the Third World due to increased population, droughts, wars , poor governance etc.. 

Should Expectant Mothers be screened for TB?

Yes, all pregnant woman in countries with a high incidence of TB, and all woman considered high risk in developed countries.

How effective is the BCG vaccination?

Probably very effective when given to those who do not already have TB.

What effect would the BCG vaccination have if given to babies born with congenital TB?

• Possibly cause a stronger strain of TB.
• Also, when these babies/children present with weight loss, fever, diarrhoea etc. TB would not be considered as it would be presumed that they are protected.

What effect would vaccinating babies with the BCG and the MVA85A vaccine have on babies born with congenital TB?

Perhaps cause a stronger strain of TB.

Ref: Tuberculosis vaccine hopes dashed. 'The trial, in South Africa, involved 2794 healthy children aged four to six months, half of whom received MVA85A and the rest a placebo'.

Questions/Comment:

• Were the mothers of these babies tested for TB prior to the trial?
• Were the babies tested for congenital TB prior to receiving the BCG?
• Were the babies tested for TB prior to the MVA85A trial?
• Its possible that the children may have appeared healthy even if they were infected with TB. This occurs with other diseases as well e.g. Seemingly healthy people suddenly become acutely ill only to discover that they have cancer and that it has already spread to a number of organs 

Why are people in Developed Countries much less susceptible to TB than those in the Third World?

• Their immune systems are stronger due to their much higher living standard.
• Animals are tested for Bovine TB and the infected ones are culled..Milk is pasteurised.
• They are not in constant contact with TB infected people and animals.
• Good diet. There is almost no malnutrition in developed countries.
• Good Medical Services.
• Good living standard where indoor plumbing and heating are the norm.

Those at risk would be:

• Immigrants from countries with a high incidence of TB. They may only have been tested for pulmonary TB on entering the country, or, if they entered the country illegally they may not have been tested at all.
• Local people who are in a relationship with an immigrant from a country with a high incidence of TB.
• Homeless people. Ref: CDC Investigating Tuberculosis Outbreak in Homeless Community
• Intravenous drug users
• Recipients of blood transfusions
• Anyone who practices casual sex, especially oral and anal sex.
• Those who travel to Third World Countries with high TB incidence for sex holidays.

What are the probable causes of Drug Resistant TB?

• The disease has already progressed too far, as often occurs with cancer.
• Stronger strains of TB have emerged.
• In Third World countries many infected people are treated for TB but not treated for malnutrition.
• In Third World countries people are constantly being re-infected through ingestion of contaminated food and drink and constant contact with infected people, animals and soil.

Ref: Infectious disease: TB's revenge

Could Miliary TB cause immune deficiency?

Widespread TB infection of the body would cause the immune system to become deficient, malfunction and eventually collapse:

Massive infection of the lymph nodes (glandular TB) would impair the functions of the lymphatic system which are:

• Filtering out micro-organisms (such as bacteria)and foreign substances such as toxins.
• Liquefaction and destruction of damaging substances.
• Formation of lymphocytes which bear the major responsibility for carrying out the activities of the immune system.
• Formation of antibodies.
• Transport:
  • Collect and transport tissue fluids.
  • Transport large molecular compounds such as enzymes and hormones.

Infection of the spleen would impair its functions, which are:

• Destruction of worn out red blood corpuscles.
• Reservoir for blood.
• Formation of lymphocytes.
• Formation of antibodies.

TB of the bones and joints would impair the functions of the bone marrow, which are:

• Formation of red blood cells.
• Formation of white blood cells.
• Formation of platelets

What does the article 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' in the journal sciencedaily.com/February 2013 mean?

' Uncovering how Deadly Bacteria Trick the Immune System.'

This research found that certain bacteria, including the type that causes TB, can pretend to be viruses when infecting humans. This trick triggers the immune system to launch an attack which is designed to fight viruses not bacteria.

I think its possible that TB's secret to survival lies in its ability to become dormant. Perhaps TB not only becomes dormant at temperatures below 37 degrees C., but also when threatened, moved or stressed e.g. under lab conditions.

The general consensus is that the HIV virus causes AIDS. I have always believed that a gigantic mistake was made, that AIDS is Miliary TB, that this causes the immune system to become deficient, malfunction and later collapse, which results in secondary infections e.g. other bacteria, fungal and viruses such as herpes, HIV, etc..

Is there a viable solution to Bovine TB?

Not yet. It is logical to assume that dormant TB is in the soil therefore it doesn't matter how many badgers are culled this will always be a major problem. Animals, including cattle, are constantly disturbing the soil and tiny particles of soil containing dormant TB are attached to the grass and bailed hay eaten by cattle, goats, deer etc.. The TB becomes active after ingestion when it reaches body temperature. Also, cattle and other animals susceptible to TB could contract it through cuts. Sterilizing the soil is not possible, so the best defence remains testing for TB, culling any infected animals (cattle, badgers, deer, goats etc..), keeping the healthy ones healthy by boosting their immune systems with supplements, and hopefully in the future an effective vaccine may become available. Maybe its an instinctive group preservation of herds in the wild to prevent such diseases by casting out weak, injured and sick animals.

Ref: Badger cull is only way to halt rise of bovine TB in the Westcountry