MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid Screening Alternative for Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Species Identification in the Veterinary Laboratory.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are difficult to identify by biochemical and genetic methods due to their microbiological properties and complex taxonomy. The development of more efficient and rapid methods for species identification in the veterinary microbiological laboratory is, therefore, of great importance. Although MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MS) has become a promising tool for the identification of NTM species in human clinical practise, information regarding its performance on veterinary isolates is scarce.

Direct PCR on Tissue Samples To Detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex: an Alternative to the Bacteriological Culture.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an ongoing issue in several countries within the European Union. Microbiological culture is the official confirmation technique for the presence of complex (MTBC) members in bovine tissues, but several methodological issues, such as moderate sensitivity and long incubation times, require the development of more sensitive and rapid techniques. This study evaluates the analytical and diagnostic performance, comparative to culture, of a real-time PCR targeting the MTBC-specific IS transposon using a panel of bovine tissue samples sourced from the Spanish bTB eradication campaign.

Validation of a Real-Time PCR for the Detection of Complex Members in Bovine Tissue Samples.

Although the post-mortem diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is mainly achieved through microbiological culture, the development of other techniques to detect complex (MTBC) members directly from tissue samples has been pursued. The present study describes the development, optimization and validation of a Real-Time PCR based on the gene to detect MTBC members in clinical tissue samples from cattle. Specific primers and a hybridization probe were used to amplify MTBC-specific sequences in order to avoid cross-reaction with non-MTBC species.

Epigenetic changes of hepatic glucocorticoid receptor in sheep male offspring undernourished in utero.

The aim of this study was to characterise the effects of maternal undernutrition during gestation on hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme gene expression and to determine whether such effects are mediated through epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Pregnant ewes were fed a 50% nutrient-restricted diet from Day 0 to 30 (R1) or from Day 31 to 100 of gestation (R2) or a 100% diet throughout gestation (Control). After parturition lambs were fed to appetite.

Detection of Leishmania-specific DNA and surface antigens using a combination of functionalized magnetic beads and cadmium selenite quantum dots.

Leishmaniosis is a zoonotic disease that affects millions of people especially in resource-poor settings. The development of reliable diagnostic assays that do not require dedicated equipment or highly trained personnel would improve early diagnosis and effective control. For this purpose, a combination of magnetic bead and cadmium selenite quantum dot probes was applied for the detection of Leishmania-specific surface antigens (proteins) and DNA.