Is the gamma interferon assay in cattle influenced by multiple tuberculin injections?
Along with other developed countries, Canada is interested in adopting the gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) assay to test for bovine tuberculosis (TB). This study compared results of using the IFN-gamma assay in a large number of field-tested cattle in Manitoba, some previously tested with a caudal fold test (CFT) only, and others injected with tuberculins for both a CFT and a comparative cervical test (CCT). Parallel testing further compared the IFN-gamma assay and CCT results with the confirmed TB status of the animal (culture, histopathologic examination, polymerase chain reaction). Results from IFN-gamma assays did not differ following the CFT versus CFT and CCT injections. Parallel testing demonstrated an apparent higher prevalence of tuberculosis for the IFN-gamma assay versus CCT, which will assist in earlier removal of exposed animals and, ultimately, prevent populations from becoming infected.
Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital, 3450-50 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 3Y4, Canada. sar135@mail.usask.ca
Sheila A
SA
Rangen
Om P
OP
Surujballi
Cyril
C
Lutze-Wallace
V Wayne
VW
Lees
D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000097:blood / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D014373:Tuberculin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D014374:Tuberculin Test / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D014380:Tuberculosis, Bovine / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D014373:Tuberculin; D007371:Interferon-gamma