Serological technique for detecting tuberculosis prevalence in sheep in Atlantic Spain. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Infantes-Lorenzo, José Antonio; Gortázar, Christian; Domínguez, Lucas; Muñoz-Mendoza, Marta; Domínguez, Mercedes; Balseiro, Ana
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 129(2020)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Animal tuberculosis -- P22 ELISA -- Serum antibodies -- Sheep; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.01.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: Recent studies show that sheep could be considered to be a maintenance host for the causative agents of animal tuberculosis (TB). The performance of diagnostic tests is not well established, and new tests need to be developed for this species. In addition, information about TB prevalence in sheep is scarce. Our objectives were to evaluate a new P22 ELISA for detection of specific antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTC), and to assess the seropositivity in 3998 sheep from herds sampled in TB hotspot areas of northern Atlantic Spain with a low TB prevalence in cattle. Results based on 80 sheep of known infection status suggest excellent sensitivity and specificity (100% and 98%, respectively) even in a M. avium susbsp. paratuberculosis infected flock. The observed TB seroprevalence was 17.96% (698/3998; CI95% 16.31–18.67). Our results indicate that the P22 ELISA may constitute a good option for TB screening at the herd level in sheep, and that sheep are an important host and control programs should be implemented at least in hotspots or when cohabiting with other TB-infected species, i.e. cattle and goats. Highlights: Development of a serological diagnostic test for TB detection in sheep Excellent sensitivity and specificity (100% and 98%, respectively) were obtained Information about TB prevalence in sheep, scarce at the moment worldwide