Test Characteristics of Assays to Detect Mycobacterium bovis Infection in High-Prevalence African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Herds

Abstract

A herd of African buffaloes (<i>Syncerus caffer</i>) was tested for <i>Mycobacterium bovis</i> infection using three cytokine release assays. All animals were subsequently euthanized and mycobacterial culture determined the infection prevalence (52%) and diagnostic characteristics. Sensitivities were lower than previously reported and results provide new insight into the practical utility of these assays.