SEROLOGY testing for bTB diagnosis
The Enferplex Bovine TB Antibody Test is a multiplex serological test for bTB. The test is based on a standard indirect ELISA format with two differences: the wells have eleven spots containing antigens present in M. bovis spotted onto the bottom surface of a microtitre plate rather than coated with a single antigen; the endpoint is chemiluminescence rather than colorimetric. We have evaluated the use of serology for the detection of Bovine TB in cattle and gained OIE approval.
Relative sensitivity and diagnostic specificity of the Enferplex Bovine TB antibody test using samples from the EU and USA.
Kappa analysis showed Kappa values ranged from 0.82 – 0.94 indicating almost perfect agreement between infection status and Enferplex test results using bovine TB positive animals (M. bovis culture positive, SICCT test positive or IFNγ test positive) and bovine TB free animals.
Likelihood ratio analysis showed positive LR ranging from 58.8-59.1, and negative LR ranging from 0.060 – 0.100 using bovine TB positive animals (M. bovis culture positive, SICCT test positive or IFNγ test positive) and bovine TB free animals. Diagnostic odds ratios were 551.5, 952.7 and 1020.3 respectively. The results provide good evidence of the infection being either present or absent respectively (Caraguel & Colling, 2021).
Relative Sensitivity of Enferplex Bovine TB Antibody test bTB infected animals missed by SICCT and IFNg tests
The Enferplex Bovine TB Antibody test shows high sensitivity and specificity in serum samples from cattle in the UK and USA.
The Enferplex test detects infected animals missed by tuberculin and IFNγ tests.
The test can aid the resolution of inconclusive reactor status.
The test could prove useful in screening for bTB and for complementing existing tests in eradication programmes.