Evaluation of rapid methods for diagnosis of tuberculosis in slaughtered free-range pigs. Issue 2 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cardoso-Toset, Fernando; Luque, Inmaculada; Amarilla, Shyrley Paola; Gómez-Gascón, Lidia; Fernández, Layla; Huerta, Belén; Carrasco, Librado; Ruiz, Pilar; Gómez-Laguna, Jaime
• Is Part Of: Veterinary journal. Volume 204:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Pigs -- Diagnosis -- Real-time quantitative PCR -- ELISA; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.01.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-0233

Abstract

Highlights: Rapid and accurate diagnostic tests are important for control of tuberculosis. This study evaluated methods for diagnosis of tuberculosis in domestic free-range pigs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) on tissues is an accurate method for diagnosis of tuberculosis in pigs. Combination of qPCR and histopathology provides optimal diagnostic values. Diagnosis of tuberculosis by ELISA in domestic free-range pigs was also evaluated. Abstract: Free-range pigs can be infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and may contribute to the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). In the present study, the diagnostic values of bacteriological culture, a duplex real-time quantitative PCR and an antibody ELISA were evaluated in an abattoir study of submandibular lymph nodes and serum samples from 73 pigs with and without lesions consistent with bTB. The duplex qPCR was an accurate method for diagnosis of TB in pigs (specificity 100%; sensitivity 80%). Combining qPCR with histopathology improved sensitivity and had very good concordance (κ = 0.94) with the reference method. Serological results suggest that the antibody ELISA can be used for monitoring herds but not individuals.