Use of PCR Method Based on IS6110 for Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Cattle

Bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. When transmitted to humans the disease symptoms cannot be distinguished from infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis the agent of TB in humans. Transmission of the disease to humans is through direct contact with diseased animals and consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products. The diagnostic techniques for the detection of Mycobacterium include polymerase chain reaction(PCR) test. The PCR technique was applied to the diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle. After slaughter and visual inspection, tissues such as lymph nodes from tuberculin reactors were tested by the same technique. Specific oligonucleotide primers internal to the IS6110 insertion element were used to amplify a 245-bp fragment. A total of 40 cattle were tested and PCR analysis was using lymph node. A highly sensitive PCR (IS6110) was positive in 23 of 40(57.7%) reactor cattle. The high sensitivity and specificity in addition to the potential for rapid detection makes this test a useful tool to detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.