Diagnose of mycobacterial infections by determination of IFN-gamma
The present invention provides a method for diagnosing a mycobacterial infection in a subject, involving the following steps: (i) collection of a sample from the subject; (ii) incubation of the sample from (i) with an antigen preparation for 12 hours or less; and (iii) analysis of γ-IFN in the sample from (ii). The invention also provides a diagnostic kit for use in such a method.
1. A method for detecting M. bovis infection in a subject, which comprises the following steps:
(i) collection of a whole blood sample from an animal;
(ii) incubation of the sample from (i) with an M. bovis , BCG or PPD antigen preparation for between 3 and 6 hours; and
(iii) detection of gamma interferon (γ-IFN) response in the sample from (ii) whereby detection indicates the presence of M. bovis infection.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in step (ii), the incubation time is between 4 and 5 hours.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in step (iii), γ-IFN in the sample is analysed by a rapid test system.
4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein γ-IFN in the sample is analysed using a dipstick or lateral flow assay (LFA).
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in step (iii), γ-IFN in the sample is analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in step (iii), γ-IFN in the sample is analysed using Fluorescence Polarisation (FP).
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in step (iii), γ-IFN in the sample is quantitated or compared using an electronic readout system.
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the electronic readout system is a reflectometer.
9. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the electronic readout system is or comprises an ultramicroelectrode interdigitated array.
10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the subject is selected from the group consisting of: cow, badger, human, horse, sheep, pig and goat.