An interferon-gamma release assay for the diagnosis of the Mycobacterium bovis infection in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

Publication date: Available online 15 August 2019Source: Veterinary Immunology and ImmunopathologyAuthor(s): Josephine Chileshe, Eduard O. Roos, Wynand J. Goosen, Peter Buss, Guy Hausler, Leana Rossouw, Tebogo Manemela, Paul van Helden, Robin Warren, Sven DC Parsons, Michele MillerAbstractMycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), the cause of bovine tuberculosis, is endemic in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. The risk of spread of M. bovis infection currently prevents translocation of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) from this population. Therefore, accurate assays are necessary for screening this threatened species. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release assays (IGRA) are commonly used for tuberculosis diagnosis in humans and other wildlife species. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop an IGRA for M. bovis detection in white rhinoceros. Heparinized whole blood was collected from immobilized white rhinoceros in KNP (n = 131) and incubated overnight in QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT) blood collection tubes, after which the plasma was harvested following centrifugation. Tissue samples for mycobacterial culture were available from a subset of 21 rhinoceros. The concentration of IFN-γ in plasma samples was measured using the Mabtech equine IFN-γ ELISAPRO. An IGRA result was calculated as the difference in IFN- γ concentrations in the QFT Nil and TB antigen tubes. Using test results for the white rhinoceros with known infection status, a diagnostic cut-off value was calc...
Source: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research