| abstract |
PCT No. PCT/GB95/00856 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 11, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 11, 1997 PCT Filed Apr. 13, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/28642 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 26, 1995The invention relates to a diagnostic test for the detection and identification of Mycobacterium species in biological specimens of human and animal origin. The test is based on the immunological detection of one or more antigens originating from Mycobacterium. To enable the detection of an antibody-antigen reaction, the antibodies specific for these antigens can be labelled with an enzyme or fluorescent dye or attached to latex particles or any other suitable label. The diagnostic test may be in a form of ELISA and may or may not require concentration of the Mycobacterium antigens prior to the actual test. The invention comprises: the selection and procurement of a suitable mycobacterial species and strain, the isolation and purification of the antigens, preparation of the necessary conjugates for the immunization of the experimental animals using various carrier molecules, the development of an assay for monitoring the antibody production, characterisation of the antibodies specific for the Mycobacterium antigen/antigens and the development of a diagnostic assay/kit. |