Development of a diagnostic blood test for tuberculosis in alpacas (Lama pacos)

Authors: Hesketh JB, Griffin JFT, Mackintosh CG
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 42, Issue 3, pp 104-109, Jun 1994
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Camelid, Lamoid, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Bacterial, Diagnostic procedures, Immune system/immunology, Mycobacterial, Disease/defect, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Vaccination, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Vaccination of alpacas (Lama pacos) with heat-killed Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) in oil adjuvant produces an immune response that is able to be measured in vitro. Lymphocyte transformation was present 2 weeks after boosting while antibody as measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was present 4-6 weeks after primary vaccination. Two vaccinated animals were positive to the intradermal skin test at the conclusion of the experiment and showed signs of systemic inflammaltion 72 hours after the skin test, while the controls remained negative for all tests. The BCG vaccine studies showed that these laboratory tests can also identify M. bovis-specific reactivity, so the technique has potential for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in alpacas. Apart from diagnosing M. bovis-specific reactivity, the blood test for tuberculosis may also be used to diagnose non-specific mycobacterial sensitisation in farmed New Zealand alpacas.

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