An evaluation of tuberculin skin tests used to diagnose tuberculosis in swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).
Three types of tuberculin tests were evaluated in swamp buffaloes in two herds of known tuberculosis-positive and tuberculosis-negative status, and the results were compared with postmortem records of 73 tuberculous and 12 non-tuberculous buffaloes from a different herd. Of the 73 tuberculous swamp buffaloes, 30 (41%), 46 (63%) and 56 (77%) animals were detected by the caudal-fold skin test, the cervical skin test and the Stormont test, respectively. Of the 12 non-tuberculous buffaloes, 5 (42%), 4 (34%), and 10 (83%) reacted to the above-mentioned three tuberculin tests, respectively. The reaction was more-pronounced in the cervical skin than in the caudal-fold skin when the single intradermal test was used on the same individual. The Stormont test (a form of the double intradermal test) was the most-sensitive but least-specific test. We concluded that the tuberculin tests described showed poor sensitivity and specificity in swamp buffaloes. Another diagnostic procedure should thus be sought for more-accurate diagnosis.
Kanameda
M
M
National Institute of Animal Health, Kasetklang, Bangkhen, Bangkok, Thailand.
Ekgatat
M
M
Wongkasemjit
S
S
Sirivan
C
C
Pachimasiri
T
T
Kongkrong
C
C
Buchaphan
K
K
Boontarat
B
B
D000818:Animals; D002020:Buffaloes; D002417:Cattle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014374:Tuberculin Test / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*