Immune Responses to Mycobacterium bovis in Cattle
Author Information
Author(s): Gareth J. Jones, Chris Pirson, Hannah P. Gideon, Katalin A. Wilkinson, David R. Sherman, Robert J. Wilkinson, R. Glyn Hewinson, H. Martin Vordermeier
Primary Institution: Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Can specific antigens identify cattle with latent Mycobacterium bovis infection?
Conclusion
Responses to the EHR antigen Rv0188 are associated with cattle exhibiting low pathology scores, suggesting it may identify early stages of infection.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified several immunogenic EHR antigens.
- Responses to Rv0188 were only seen in animals with low pathology.
- Half of the animals in the low pathology group were responsive to Rv0188.
Takeaway
The study looked at how cattle respond to certain germs that cause tuberculosis, finding that some cattle with less sickness show a special response that might mean they are in the early stages of infection.
Methodology
The study involved screening blood samples from TB-reactor cattle for immune responses to various antigens using cytokine production as a measure.
Limitations
Only a small number of animals presented with no visible lesions, making it difficult to compare potentially latent and non-latent animals.
Participant Demographics
Cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis from herds known to have bovine tuberculosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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