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The development of an interferon-gamma (IFNγ) assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

The objective of this project was to design tools for a diagnostic test that will prove valuable in the detection of tuberculosis in elephants and rhinoceros by using the cytokine IFNγ as an indicator of Mycobacterium bovis responsiveness. Interferon-gamma (IFNγ), a type II interferon, is a cytokine mainly produced by Th1 and cytotoxic T-cells expressing surface markers CD4 and CD8, respectively and natural killer cells (Ibelgaufts; 1999). In response to a mycobacterial infection antigen specific Th1- and cytotoxic T-cells are induced. When these cells encounter their specific mycobacterial antigen, they will respond by producing IFNγ. Based on this principle a diagnostic test was developed. In this test PBMCs will be stimulated with M.bovis specific antigen and the subsequent production of IFNγ by specific T-helper cells will be determined by IFNγ of elephants and rhinoceros. In order to develop such an assay recombinant elephant and rhinoceros IFNγ was cloned, sequenced, expressed, purified and subsequently a monoclonal antibody against IFNγ was produced. Monoclonal antibodies were selected by a number of ELISAs using recombinant IFNγ. Preliminary results are promising and further tests are underway regarding the specificity and sensitivity of the assay before field trials can be performed. The results of this study has significant implications in the design of an IFNγ diagnostic kit for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, as caused by M.bovis, in elephants and rhinoceros as well as other wildlife affected by this debilitating disease. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:up/oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/23032
Date09 March 2005
CreatorsMorar, Darshana
ContributorsRutten, Victor P.M.G., Venter, Estelle Hildegard, Tijhaar, Edwin, Michel, Anita Luise, upetd@ais.up.ac.za
PublisherUniversity of Pretoria
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Rights© 2003, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.

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