Interferon-gamma ELISA’s for the detection of Mycobacterium bovis infections in lions (Panthera leo)

Abstract

In this research project steps toward the development of an IFN-gamma ELISA for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in lions are made. Two different existing IFN-gamma ELISA’s were studied and tested. An ELISA, previously developed for the detection of recombinant rhinoceros IFN-gamma (Morar et al. 2007), was used to determine detection of recombinant feline IFN-gamma. An adapted feline IFN-gamma ELISA, developed by Rhodes et al. (2008) was the other ELISA system that was used in this research. Blood samples from both domestic cats and lions were collected and processed for use in the two different ELISAs that are mentioned above. Inconclusive results were obtained during this study, however this report describes the various steps that were performed and results obtained during a research period of three months.