Rapid detection of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in cattle lymph nodes with visible lesions using PCR.

Background: We have evaluated a sensitive screening assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex organisms and a specific assay for detecting Mycobacterium bovis DNA in lymph nodes taken from cattle with evidence of bovine tuberculosis. Underlying these series of experiments was the need for a versatile DNA extraction protocol which could handle tissue samples and with the potential for automation.The target for the screening assay was the multi-copy insertion element IS1081, present in 6 copies in the MTB complex.