Studies on diagnostic potential of secretory antigens of <i style="">Mycobacterium bovis</i>

Abstract

Culture filtrate proteins (CFPs) of <i style="">M. bovis</i> were produced by culturing the organism for a period of 3 weeks. These CFPs elicited a good delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in cattle and guinea pig. However, CFPs showed least cross–reactivity when tested in guinea pigs sensitized with <i style="">M. bovis </i>BCG and <i style="">M. phlei</i>. CFPs were found to be well recognized by T–cells of single intradermal test (SIDT) positive cattle and were also sero-reactive. Lymphocyte transformation assay revealed the culture filtrate antigens as major T-cell antigens. CFPs induced a good interferon gamma release as compared to conventional antigen, PPD, thereby highlighting their diagnostic capabilities.