Abstract
BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) in non-human primates (NHPs) is highly contagious, requiring efficient identification of animals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculin skin test is usually used but lacks desirable sensitivity/specificity and efficiency.
MethodsWe aimed to develop an immunoassay for plasma antibodies against M.tuberculosis. A key challenge is that not all infected animals contain antibodies against the same M.tuberculosis antigen. Therefore, a multiplex panel of 28 antigens (Luminex((R))-Platform) was developed.
ResultsData revealed antibodies against eight antigens (Rv3875, Rv3875-Rv3874 fusion, Rv3874, Rv0934, Rv3881, Rv1886c, Rv2031, Rv3841) in experimentally infected (M.tuberculosis strains: Erdman and H37Rv) NHPs (rhesus and cynomolgus macaques). In a naturally acquired M.tuberculosis infection, rhesus macaques (n=15) with lung TB pathology (n=10) contained antibodies to five additional antigens (Rv0831, Rv2220, Rv0054, Rv1099, and Rv0129c).
ConclusionsResults suggest that this user-friendly and easily implementable multiplex panel, containing 13M.tuberculosis antigens, may provide a high-throughput alternative for NHP TB screening.