Adaptation of IFN-gamma ELISA and ELISPOT tests for feline tuberculosis.

There are currently no reliable immunodiagnostic tests for feline tuberculosis. Infection of domestic cats in the UK is thought to occur via their contact with the relevant reservoir of infection, e.g.

Assessment of cross-reactivity between Mycobacterium bovis and M. kansasii ESAT-6 and CFP-10 at the T-cell epitope level.

Cross-reactivity between Mycobacterium kansasii ESAT-6 and CFP-10 homologues and their M. bovis counterparts can confound the interpretation of immunodiagnostic tests for tuberculosis. M.

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.

Molecular analysis of human and bovine tubercle bacilli from a local setting in Nigeria.

To establish a molecular epidemiological baseline for the strains causing tuberculosis in Nigeria, a survey of isolates from humans and cattle was carried out. Spoligotyping and variable-number tandem-repeat analysis revealed that the majority of tuberculosis disease in humans in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, is caused by a single, closely related group of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Using deletion typing, we show that approximately 13% of the disease in humans in this sample was caused by strains of Mycobacterium africanum and Mycobacterium bovis rather than M.

Inactivation of the Mycobacterium bovis homologue of the polymorphic RD1 gene Rv3879c (Mb3909c) does not affect virulence.

The RD1 locus is deleted from all strains of Mycobacterium bovis BCG but present in virulent isolates of M. bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The RD1 gene Rv3879c encodes a proline- and alanine-rich protein that shows sequence polymorphism across members of the M.

Evaluation of adjuvants for protein vaccines against tuberculosis in guinea pigs.

Subunit vaccines against tuberculosis show promise but require administration with adjuvants to stimulate relevant immune responses for protection. Guinea pigs are the model of choice for evaluating protective immunity to aerogenic challenge with virulent mycobacteria, but few studies have been undertaken to identify suitable adjuvants for vaccine screening in this species. Here, we compare the efficacy of several adjuvants to induce T cell responses to culture filtrate protein in guinea pigs.

Simple objective measurement of the cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to tuberculin using spectrophotometry.

Background/aims: A number of subjective methods have been used to quantify the extent of the cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. However, because of their subjective nature, significant differences in measurements may be seen between individual observers or laboratories unless thorough training is given to each observer.

Methods: Objective measurement of the DTH reaction using a hand-held spectrophotometer is described.