Caudal Fold Tuberculin Test Research Articles

An ELISA test using a circulating Mycobacterium bovis peptide for detecting bovine tuberculosis in dairy cattle.

This study aimed to determine the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of a circulating pathogen-specific biomarker (polyketide synthetase 5, Pks5)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) independently or in conjunction with a caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) test for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) screening in dairy cattle. We enrolled 987 dairy cows from 34 herds in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. A conditionally independent Bayesian model with a single population was inferred from the test results. The percentage of positive results for the Pks5-ELISA using 0.4 OD cutoff test and CFT test were 9.0% (89/987) and 10.5% (104/987), respectively. The median of posterior estimates of Se for the Pks5-ELISA test was 90.2% (95% posterior probability interval [PPI] = 76.6-97.4%), while the estimated Sp was slightly higher (median = 92.9, 95% PPI = 91.0-94.5%). The median estimated Se of the CFT test was 85.9% (95% PPI = 72.4-94.6%), while the estimated Sp was higher, with a median of 90.7% (95% PPI = 88.7-92.5%). The posterior estimate for true disease prevalence was 2.4% (95% PPI = 1.2-3.9%). The Pks5-ELISA test yielded characteristics at or above the acceptable standards for bTB detection. Therefore, the pathogen-specific biomarker, Pks5, is a potential detection system for bTB screening and may be applied as an ancillary test together with the currently applied standard method (CFT test) to reinforce the bTB control and eradication programs.

Evaluation of a virulent strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis used as a heat-killed vaccine

Bovine paratuberculosis is one of the most important chronic infectious diseases in livestock. This disease is difficult to control because of its inefficient management (test and cull strategy and inadequate biosecurity). Thus, the development of an effective vaccine is essential. In this study, we evaluated a local virulent strain (6611) of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis as an inactivated vaccine in comparison with the Silirum vaccine in mouse model and cattle. Regarding the mice model, only the groups vaccinated with 6611 showed lower colony forming unit (CFU) counts with a lower lesion score in the liver in comparison to the control group at 6 and 12 weeks post-challenge (wpc). The immune response was predominantly humoral (IgG1), although both vaccinated groups presented a cellular response with IFNγ production as well, but the 6611 group had also significant production of IL-2, IL-6, IL-17a, TNF, and IL-10. In cattle, the 6611 vaccinated group was the only one that maintained significant antibody values at the end of the trial, with significant production of IgG2 and IFNγ. No PPDb reactor was detected in the vaccinated animals, according to the intradermal caudal fold tuberculin test. Our results indicate that the 6611 local strain protected mice from challenge with a virulent strain, by inducing a humoral and cellular immune response. In the bovine, the natural host, the evaluated vaccine also induced humoral and cellular immune responses, with higher levels of CD4 + CD25+ and CD8 + CD25+ T cells populations than the commercial vaccine. Despite the encouraging results obtained in this study, an experimental challenge trial in cattle is mandatory to evaluate the efficacy of our candidate vaccine in the main host.

Comparison of common tests performance for Mycobacterium bovis infection diagnosis in low prevalence dairy cattle herds of southern Chile

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of routinely used diagnostic tests to detect M. bovis infection in cattle populations with very low infection prevalence. A cross-sectional study was performed using 609 animals from 17 herds that were sampled for blood interferon, and tested with the caudal fold tuberculin test (CFT). It was planned that animals which showed CFT positive results were sent to the slaughterhouse for post mortem confirmation testing. However, not all the animals considered in the initial sampling were culled. Paired population proportions of positive results for the different diagnostic tools were compared. Apparent sensitivity and specificity was also estimated. Overall, intradermal tuberculin based diagnostics showed better performance in comparison to interferon based test, even though interferon was slightly more specific. From these results, it may be suggested that specific cut-off lines for interferon based techniques for certain areas with particular low bTB prevalence should be considered, as well as the modification of more specific antigens and the use of better combinations of PPDs if in vitro testing is intended must be taken into consideration. The uncertain role of interference bacteria that could be affecting the results of the in vitro analysis must be considered, and perhaps this could explain the apparent lack of consensus of the results obtained in Chile versus the ones obtained elsewhere. More studies must be performed in order to assess this issue.

Screening food-borne and zoonotic pathogens associated with livestock practices in the Sumapaz region, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Hazardous practices regarding antibiotics misuse, unsanitary milking procedures, and the commercial sales of raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products are currently being practiced by livestock farmers in the Sumapaz region (Colombia). The purpose of this study was to screen for food-borne and zoonotic pathogens associated with local livestock practices. We evaluated 1098 cows from 46 livestock farms in the Sumapaz region that were selected by random. Of the total population of cattle, 962 animals (88%) were tested for bovine TB using a caudal-fold tuberculin test and 546 (50%) for brucellosis by a competitive ELISA. In the population tested, 23 cows were positive for Brucella sp. representing a 4.2% seroprevalence and no cases of bovine tuberculosis were found. In addition, food-borne contamination with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was assessed together with antibiotic susceptibility for ten different antibiotics in milk samples from 16 livestock farms. We found that 12 of the farms (75%) were contaminated with these food-borne pathogens. Noteworthy, all of the isolated pathogenic strains were resistant to multiple antibiotics, primarily to oxytetracycline and erythromycin. Our findings suggest that livestock products could be a source of exposure to Brucella and multidrug-resistant E. coli and S. aureus strains as a result of unhygienic livestock practices in the Sumapaz region. Training in good farming practices is the key to improving safety in food production.

Prevalence of Mycobactrium Bovis Infection in Cattle Based on Intra-Dermal Caudal Fold Tuberculin Test in Adamawa State, Nigeria

A cross sectional survey was carried out using convenient sampling technique to sample 79 herds comprising of 2, 810 cattle in 5 Local Government Areas (L.G.A) of Adamawa State in the North East of Nigeria. This was based on the availability of cattle populations, physical accessibility to the herds, availability of cattle restraint facilities and consent of the cattle owners. Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) purchased from Prionics Lelystad, Prod. Nr. 7600040 in the Netherlands was used in screening the cattle for M. bovis infection using intra-dermal caudal fold tuberculin test. The result after 72 hours indicated an overall prevalence of 8.4% (236/2, 810) with Mayo-Belwa L.G.A having the highest prevalence of 19.2% (117/610) while no cattle reacted to the test in Girei L.G.A. It was concluded that this result may serve as a base line data on the status of M. bovis infection in cattle in Adamawa State, as such there is the need to extend this study in all the L.G.As of Adamawa State. This recommendation may require legislative action in order to compel the herdsmen to present their cattle for testing.

Association between caudal fold tuberculin test responses and results of an ELISA for Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis and mycobacterial culture of feces in tuberculosis-free dairy herds

OBJECTIVE--To evaluate associations between Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) and caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) test results in cattle. DESIGN--Longitudinal and cross-sectional evaluations. ANIMALS--1 California (approx 3,600 cows) and 3 Colorado (approx 640, 1,190, and 1,480 cows) dairy herds considered free of Mycobacterium bovis infection. PROCEDURES--In the California herd, the association between CFT response and MAP status was determined with ELISA and mycobacterial culture of feces within 1 year before and after CFT testing. The association between CFT and MAP status in all herds was modeled with mixed-effects logistic regression. RESULTS--In the California herd, significantly higher odds of being classified as suspect by CFT were found for cows with results of MAP ELISA negative before and positive after CFT testing (OR, 5.6) and cows positive before and after CFT testing (OR, 8.1). Higher odds were found for cows positive for mycobacterial culture of feces before and negative for culture after CFT testing (OR, 4.6) and cows negative for mycobacterial culture of feces before and positive for culture after CFT testing (OR, 13.2). All herds had higher odds of being classified as suspect by CFT testing for cows with positive results for ELISA (OR, 2.9) or mycobacterial culture of feces (OR, 5.0), compared with cows with negative results of the same tests. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE--A strong association was found between positive MAP test results and being classified as a suspect by CFT testing. Within-herd MAP prevalence may affect specificity of CFT testing for tuberculosis in cattle.

Prevalence of bovine and avian tuberculosis in sheep and goat population of Bangladesh

An attempt was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of bovine and avian tuberculosis in sheep and goat population in Bangladesh. A total of 273 sheep and 155 goats were screened for bovine and avian tuberculosis by caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) and comparative cervical tuberculin (CCT) tests. The percentage of responders to CFT test in sheep and goat were 9.15% and 1.29% respectively. The overall percentage of reactors to CCT test in sheep and goats were 1.46% and 1.29% respectively. In CCT test the reactors were 0.36%, 1.29% for bovine tuberculosis, 1.09%, 1.29% for avian tuberculosis and 0.00%, 1.29% for mixed type for the sheep and goats respectively. In sheep of 3-4 years of age the reactors were 2.39 times higher than sheep below 3 years of age. In goats of 4.1-6 years of age the reactors were 2.40 times higher than goats below 3 years of age. The present prevalent study showed significant ( P 0.05) association in sheep. In sheep the percentages of reactors were 1.24 times higher in male (1.72%) than female (1.39%). Jamunapari (2.85%) breed of goat had 3.5 times higher percentage of reactors as compared to Black Bengal breed (0.83%). The study indicates that bovine and avian tuberculosis may cause dangerous effects on human health as well as livestock of Bangladesh so its prevention and eradication steps must be taken without any delay.

Meta-analysis of field studies on bovine tuberculosis skin tests in United States cattle herds

Our objective was to summarize information on the diagnostic accuracy, in terms of test sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), for bovine tuberculosis (bTb) tuberculin skin tests as currently used in the United States. Meta-analyses including Se and Sp estimates from field studies of bTb tuberculin tests conducted in North American cattle were conducted to provide a distribution of estimates and central tendency for Se and Sp of the caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) and serial interpretation of the CFT and comparative cervical tuberculin (CFT-CCT) tests. In total, 12 estimates for CFT and CFT-CCT test Se and Sp were identified from seven publications matching inclusion criteria. Estimates for CFT test Se ranged from 80.4% to 93.0% and CFT test Sp from 89.2% to 95.2%. Estimates for CFT-CCT test Se ranged from 74.4% to 88.4% and CFT-CCT test Sp ranged from 97.3% to 98.6%. These distributions of test Se and Sp are intended to provide a more realistic representation for U.S. bTb skin tests than previously reported. Estimation and discussion of herd-level CFT and CFT-CCT test parameters is also included. These results should be considered at the herd and individual animal level when evaluating results from tuberculin skin test results in North American cattle herds.

Prevalência de tuberculose no rebanho bovino de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte

A tuberculose bovina é uma doença infecciosa crônica e debilitante que pode infectar humanos. Uma importante etapa para o controle é a determinação da prevalência nos rebanhos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a prevalência da tuberculose bovina em Mossoró, RN. Inicialmente foi realizada uma avaliação de risco para a ocorrência da tuberculose bovina em 21 propriedades da região avaliada. Foram testadas 150 vacas leiteiras por meio do teste da prega caudal. Também foram avaliados outros 120 bovinos pelo teste da tuberculinização cervical comparada. Os resultados revelaram falta de conhecimento dos proprietários sobre o controle da doença, bem como o descuido no momento da aquisição de animais. A prevalência foi de 8,66% e 3,33% nos testes da prega caudal e cervical comparativo, respectivamente. Assim, foi verificada uma prevalência de tuberculose bovina bastante elevada, sendo superior à média nacional.

Herd and Spatial Factors Affecting the Proportion of False-Positive Results on the Caudal Fold Tuberculin Test in Michigan Cattle

Bovine tuberculosis skin tests have been used successfully for control and eradication of bovine tuberculosis in the United States since the eradication program was begun in 1917. In 1992, there were only 10 states that had not achieved tuberculosis-free status. Unfortunately, bovine tuberculosis has become endemic in the cattle population in certain areas in the United States, including the northern part of the Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The caudal fold test is a key element of herd-level and individual animal screening. The specificity of the caudal fold tuberculin test is not perfect, and has been estimated to be approximately 89-96%. It is also evident that the specificity of the caudal fold tuberculin test is not a constant in different cattle populations. Variation in specificity may be due to differences in the amount and concentration of the tuberculin used for the test, regional variation in cross-reacting mycobacteria that cause false-positive results on the caudal fold tuberculin test, and variation in the interpretation of the test results by the testing veterinarians. The objective of this study was to use available data from the bovine tuberculosis testing program in Michigan to evaluate possible associations between the proportion of false-positive results on the caudal fold tuberculin test, and factors regarding geography and type of herd.

Use of simulation modeling to estimate herd-level sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of diagnostic tests for detection of tuberculosis in cattle

To estimate herd-level sensitivity (HSe), specificity (HSp), and predictive values for a positive (HPVP) and negative (HPVN) test result for several testing scenarios for detection of tuberculosis in cattle by use of simulation modeling. Empirical distributions of all herds (15,468) and herds in a 10-county area (1,016) in Michigan. 5 test scenarios were simulated: scenario 1, serial interpretation of the caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) test and comparative cervical test (CCT); scenario 2, serial interpretation of the CFT test and CCT, microbial culture for mycobacteria, and polymerase chain reaction assay; scenario 3, same as scenario 2 but specificity was fixed at 1.0; and scenario 4, sensitivity was 0.9 (scenario 4a) or 0.95 (scenario 4b), and specificity was fixed at 1.0. Estimates for HSe were reasonably high, ranging between 0.712 and 0.840. Estimates for HSp were low when specificity was not fixed at 1.0. Estimates of HPVP were low for scenarios 1 and 2 (0.042 and 0.143, respectively) but increased to 1.0 when specificity was fixed at 1.0. The HPVN remained high for all 5 scenarios, ranging between 0.995 and 0.997. As herd size increased, HSe increased and HSp and HPVP decreased. However, fixing specificity at 1.0 had only minor effects on HSp and HPVN, but HSe was low when the herd size was small. Tests used for detecting cattle herds infected with tuberculosis work well on a herd basis. Herds with < approximately 100 cattle should be tested more frequently or for a longer duration than larger herds to ensure that these small herds are free of tuberculosis.

Effects of positive results for Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis as determined by microbial culture of feces or antibody ELISA on results of caudal fold tuberculin test and interferon-γ assay for tuberculosis in cattle

To determine whether cattle testing positive for Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis as determined by microbial culture of feces or antibody ELISA were more likely to have false-positive responses on the caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) test or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) assay for Mycobacterium bovis than cattle testing negative for M paratuberculosis. 1043 cattle from 10 herds in Michigan. Feces and blood samples for plasma were collected from cattle > or =24 months old on the day the CFT test was read. Fecal samples were submitted for microbial culture for M paratuberculosis. Plasma samples were tested for antibody against M paratuberculosis, and IFN-gamma after stimulation with purified protein derivative tuberculin from M bovis or M avium. Of 1043 cattle, 180 (17.3%) had positive CFT test results (suspects) and 8 (0.8%) had positive IFN-gamma assay results after stimulation with purified protein derivative tuberculin from M bovis. Forty-five (4.3%) and 115 (11.0%) cattle tested positive for M paratuberculosis as determined by microbial culture of feces and antibody ELISA, respectively. Cattle with positive responses for M paratuberculosis appeared to have an increased likelihood of false-positive results on the CFT test, although this association was not significant. No significant association was detected among cattle testing positive for M paratuberculosis as determined by microbial culture of feces and antibody ELISA and positive CFT test and IFN-gamma assay results for M bovis.

Effect of tuberculosis on milk production in dairy cows

Objective— To evaluate differences in milk production between cows with positive and negative caudal fold tuberculin test results in a Mycobacterium bovis-infected dairy herd. Design— Cross-sectional epidemiologic survey. Animals— 369 Holstein cows with lactation duration between 200 and 360 days. Procedure— The caudal fold tuberculin test was performed. Information on milk production data, parity, calving season, days of lactation, previous milk production, and whether cows had clinical mastitis was obtained from farm records. Composite milk samples were collected and submitted for bacterial culture. Results— 170 cows had positive tuberculin test results, and 199 had negative results. Cows with positive test results produced less milk (mean, 347 kg [763 lb]) than did cows with negative test results after adjusting for variables biologically related to milk production. Calving season (spring, summer) was significantly associated with reduced milk production. Cows with clinical mastitis produced less milk than did cows without clinical mastitis, but the difference was not statistically significant in the multiple regression analysis. Clinical Implications— In this herd, tuberculosis was associated with a 4% decrease in milk production. Milk production losses per cow attributable to calving season (spring, summer) were 3 times those attributable to tuberculosis. However, because of the high prevalence of tuberculosis in this herd, the impact of tuberculosis on total herd milk production was an additional cause for concern. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;213:851-854)

Comparison of the sensitivity of the caudal fold skin test and a commercial γ-interferon assay for diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis

Abstract A study to determine and compare the sensitivity of the caudal fold tuberculin test (cft) and a commercial γ-interferon (γ-ifn) assay for diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis was conducted. A dairy herd with approximately a third of the cattle infected with Mycobacterium bovis was chosen for this study. All cattle from this herd were slaughtered, and tissue specimens for bacteriologic culturing and histologic examination were collected. Results of the cft and γ-ifn assay were compared with results of bacteriologic culturing and histologic examination to determine test sensitivity. Results were analyzed, using each of the following 4 standards to classify cattle as infected: positive test result by bacteriologic culturing only; histologic examination only; bacteriologic culturing and histologic examination; and bacteriologic culturing or histologic examination. Sensitivity of the cft ranged from 80.4 to 84.4%, depending on the standard of comparison. Sensitivity of the γ-ifn assay ranged from 55.4 to 97.1%, depending on the standard of comparison and on the method of interpretation. The cft was significantly (P &lt; 0.001) more sensitive than the γ-ifn assay for diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis when the γ-ifn assay was conducted and interpreted as instructed by the manufacturer. Maximum overall sensitivity was achieved when results of the cft and γ-ifn assay were interpreted in parallel.

An ELISA for the detection of anergic tuberculous cattle.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for bovine antibody to antigens in unheated Mycobacterium bovis culture filtrate was standardised against a reference serum from an experimentally infected cow. Two Northern Territory herds with a total of 561 cattle were tested. All cattle reacting in the caudal fold tuberculin test, those giving strong reactions in the ELISA and those with visible lesions of tuberculosis were subjected to a detailed bacteriological examination. Of the 19 cattle which yielded isolates of M. bovis, only 4 were positive to the tuberculin test. Serum samples from 5 cattle gave ELISA values greater than 7.0 units. None of these 5 reacted in the tuberculin-test and 2 had no visible lesions. Of the 10 remaining cattle from which M. bovis was isolated, 3 had ELISA values between 6.5 and 7.0 units and were also without visible lesions. The ELISA values for the remaining 7 infected cattle ranged down to 4.6 units. Forty cattle yielded no M. bovis on culture of their tissues. They included 7 which were reactors in the tuberculin test and 23 with ELISA values of 7.0 units or more. The evident low specificity and sensitivity of the ELISA make it of little value as an alternative to the tuberculin test, but it can detect some anergic cattle at the cost of increasing the number of false positive reactors. This may be acceptable in some circumstances and would justify the use of the ELISA as a complement to the tuberculin test or to an in vitro assay of T-cell immunity. In the 2 Northern Territory herds described, the removal of 5 of the anergic cattle would have required a cull of 28 animals of 5% of the total. A cut off value of 6.5 units would have eliminated 3 more, but at the cost of culling 80 animals or nearly 15% of the cattle. Even so, 7 cattle from which M. bovis was isolated would have remained undetected by either test.

Eradication of tuberculosis from an extensively managed beef herd.

Eradication of tuberculosis from a herd of 5,000 head of beef cattle with a long history of infection was achieved in a 5-year period using the single caudal fold tuberculin test in conjunction with segregation of breeders of different ages and selective slaughter of problem groups. The major problem which had to be overcome to achieve eradication was the occurrence of anergic tuberculous animals. All animals in the group were slaughtered when it was apparent testing was not successful. Testing was very effective in eliminating TB from cattle under the age of two years. Incomplete musters and breakdown of segregation caused reinfection of clean groups in the early stages.

The indirect fluorescent antibody test for the detection of circulating antibodies in bovine tuberculosis.

Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests were carried out on a total of 545 individual serums from beef cattle just before tuberculin testing, using specific FITC-anti-bovine IgG and IgM conjugates. Phenol-killed M. tuberculosis (H37Rv strain) or field strains of M. bovis and M. avium were used as antigenic substrates. All cattle were examined at abattoirs for the presence of tuberculous lesions. A statistically significant difference (p less than 0.001) was found between the number of cattle with serums containing IgM and those with IgG antibody to M. bovis. The majority of cross-reactions that occurred with M. avium was due to IgM antibody. The IFA test using M. bovis and both antiglobulin conjugates detected 77% of cattle with visible lesions of tuberculosis, while the single intradermal caudal fold tuberculin test detected 83%. The IFA test detected 25 of 31 cattle with lesions that failed to react in the tuberculin test. The tuberculin test gave apparently false positive reactions in 6.2% and the IFA test gave false positive reactions in 21.2% of all cattle. The IFA test is of potential use as a further aid in the detection of tuberculous cattle that fail to react to tuberculin. It offers no advantage over the tuberculin test for the detection of all forms of the disease because it fails to detect a significant proportion of tuberculous cattle and produces an unacceptably high number of false positive results.

NON‐SPECIFIC REACTORS TO THE SINGLE CAUDAL FOLD TUBERCULIN TEST IN DAIRY CATTLE IN VICTORIA

Australian Veterinary JournalVolume 42, Issue 3 p. 70-73 NON-SPECIFIC REACTORS TO THE SINGLE CAUDAL FOLD TUBERCULIN TEST IN DAIRY CATTLE IN VICTORIA B. H. Rushford B.V.Sc., B. H. Rushford B.V.Sc. Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, VictoriaSearch for more papers by this author B. H. Rushford B.V.Sc., B. H. Rushford B.V.Sc. Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, VictoriaSearch for more papers by this author First published: March 1966 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1966.tb04672.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume42, Issue3March 1966Pages 70-73 RelatedInformation

Paratuberculosis and tuberculin tests

Abstract Extract Sir,—In his letter of April, 1964 (p. 38) Dr Tyndel's hypothesis is that, in the case he discusses, most of the reactions to the caudal fold tuberculin test may be as a result of sensitization due to Mycobacterium johnei and supports this by quoting the results of the complement fixation test for paratuberculosis carried out on sera from 25 tuberculin reactors and 25 non-reactors. Of the first 7 caudal fold reactors, 6 were positive to the short thermal test and tuberculosis was found in one of these animals at post-mortem examination.