New serological platform for detecting antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in European badgers.

European badgers (Meles meles) have been identified as wildlife reservoirs for Mycobacterium bovis in the UK and Ireland, and may also have a role in the epidemiology of animal tuberculosis in other European regions. Thus, detection of M. bovis-infected badgers may be required for the purposes of surveillance and monitoring of disease levels in infected populations. Current serological assays to detect M. bovis infection in live badgers, while rapid and inexpensive, show limited diagnostic sensitivity. Here we describe and evaluate new ELISA platforms for the recognition of the P22 multiprotein complex derived from the purified protein derivative (PPD) of M. bovis. The recognition of IgG against P22 multiprotein complex derived from PPD-B was tested by ELISA in the serum of badgers from the UK, Ireland and Spain. TB infection in the badgers was indicated by the presence of M. bovis in tissues by culture and histology at post-mortem examination and TB-free status was established by repeated negativity in the interferon γ release assay (IGRA). In experimentally infected badgers, humoral antibody responses against P22 developed within 45 days post-infection. The ELISA tests showed estimated sensitivity levels of 74-82% in experimentally and naturally infected badgers with specificities ranging from 75% to 100% depending on the badger population tested. The P22 multi-antigen based ELISAs provide a sensitive and specific test platform for improved tuberculosis surveillance in badgers.

Evaluation of the effects of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers and ultrasonic instrumentation on root surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers on the morphology and chemical composition of root surfaces and compare them with those produced by using ultrasonic instrumentation (US). BACKGROUND DATA: The benefits of the use of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy have not yet been determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radicular surfaces of 18 extracted human multi-radicular teeth were treated for 1 min on the right side of the root either with laser (Er:YAG, 2940 nm, 10 Hz, output 80 mJ/pulse, 100 mJ/pulse, and 120 mJ/pulse, 250 mus pulse length, spot size 0.8 mm, or Nd:YAG; 1064 nm; 10 Hz; output 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 W; 150 micros pulse length; spot size 0.6 mm) or on the left side of the root with US (28,500 Hz, medium power, and standard tip). Subsequently, the teeth were subjected to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectrometric analysis. RESULTS: SEM examination of the areas treated with US showed a smooth appearance. In all specimens from the experimental groups treated with Er:YAG laser, entire cementum layers were removed and dentinal tubules were exposed. EDX analysis of root surfaces treated by Er:YAG laser at 120 mJ/pulse showed an increase in the peak intensities of calcium and phosphorus more than that seen with US treatment. When Nd:YAG laser irradiation was utilized, SEM examination showed effects such as melting, and fissuring of the root surface. EDX analysis of root surfaces treated by the Nd:YAG laser at 1.5 W revealed some changes in the elemental composition, with the peak intensities of calcium and phosphorus decreased in relation to the levels obtained by US treatment. CONCLUSIONS: US treatment better preserves the original morphology of cementum compared with Er:YAG and Nd:YAG laser treatment.