Methods for detecting a <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </i>infection

摘要

Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject, comprising:
contacting a biological sample from the subject, wherein the biological sample comprises T cells, with one or more-isolated Mycobacterium polypeptides in vitro, wherein one of the isolated Mycobacterium polypeptides comprises the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 11; and performing an enzyme-linked immunospot assay that detects interferon-γ in order to determine if the T cells specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide, wherein a positive enzyme-linked immunospot assay that detects interferon-γ in the biological sample determines the presence of T cells that specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide and detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the subject.