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Published on: September 14, 2011
BOVIGAM: an in vitro cellular diagnostic test for bovine tuberculosis
1Research and Development, CSL Animal Health, 45 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. paul-wood@csl.com.au
Tuberculosis (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|July 21, 2001
Summary
BOVIGAM is a gamma interferon (IFN-γ) blood test for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in animals. This cell-mediated immune response assay offers high sensitivity and specificity for identifying M. bovis infection earlier than skin tests.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
- Animal Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant concern in animal populations worldwide.
- Accurate and early detection of TB is crucial for effective disease control and eradication programs.
- Existing diagnostic methods, such as skin tests, have limitations in sensitivity and early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the BOVIGAM assay, a gamma interferon (IFN-γ) based test, for the detection of TB infection in animals.
- To assess the diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity) of BOVIGAM compared to culture-confirmed TB.
- To explore the utility of BOVIGAM in specific scenarios, such as detecting infection in skin-test negative animals or serial testing.
Main Methods:
- The BOVIGAM assay involves incubating whole animal blood with specific antigens (bovine PPD, avian PPD) or a control.
- Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) levels in plasma supernatant are measured using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
- A predominant IFN-γ response to bovine PPD indicates potential TB infection.
Main Results:
- BOVIGAM demonstrated high sensitivity (81.8%–100%) and specificity (94%–100%) across extensive trials in over 200,000 animals.
- The IFN-γ assay detects M. bovis infection earlier than traditional skin tests.
- BOVIGAM results are reliable, unaffected by poor nutrition, and only mildly affected by dexamethasone treatment or parturition.
Conclusions:
- BOVIGAM is a rapid and reliable laboratory assay for detecting cell-mediated immune responses to TB infection in animals.
- The assay is effective in identifying M. bovis infection earlier than skin tests and is used routinely in several countries for cattle, buffalo, and goats.
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