Detection of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in nasal swabs from tuberculous cattle by a multiplex PCR

Detection of tuberculosis in cattle relies on the intradermal tuberculin test (ITT), but a definitive diagnosis requires identification of the pathogen after the animal is slaughtered. DNA in nasal swabs from 50 cows was analyzed by m-PCR, targeting for the RvD1-Rv2031c and IS6110 sequences. M. bovis was identified in two of 34 tuberculous cows (5.9%). The use of mPCR of nasal swabs as an in vivo diagnostic tool for bovine tuberculosis is suggested.

Identification of Mycobacterium bovis Isolates by a multiplex PCR

Isolates from suggestive bovine tuberculosis lesions were tested by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR) targeting for RvD1Rv2031c and IS6110 sequences, specific for M. bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex respectively. The m-PCR successfully identified as M. bovis 88.24% of the isolates.

Colônias isoladas a partir de lesões sugestivas de tuberculose bovina foram testadas pela reação múltipla em cadeia da polimerase, usando oligonucleotídeos direcionados para as seqüências genômicas RvD1Rv2031c e IS6110, específicas para M. bovis e para o complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectivamente. A m-PCR identificou, com sucesso, 88,24% das colônias isoladas como M. bovis.