DIAGNOSTIC METHOD AND KIT

摘要

The invention relates to methods for diagnosis of tuberculosis in an animal, the methods comprising determiningthe presence or absence of, or an immune response toa group of antigens comprising(i) the group consisting of Rv3616 antigen,MPB70 antigen, MPB83 antigen, and ESAT 6 antigen; or (ii) at least seven of the antigens of the group consisting of Rv3616 antigen, MPB70 antigen, MPB83 antigen, ESAT 6 antigen, CFP10 antigen, a crystalline 2 antigen, PE35 antigen, and PPE68 antigen. Also providedis a method for the diagnosis of the presence of tuberculosis in a reservoir animal e.g. a badger, said method comprising determining the presence or absence of, or an immune responsetoRv3616 antigen, MPB70 antigen, andMPB83 antigen.Kits for carrying out the methods are also provided.