PRIMAGAM™ Non-Human Primate M. tuberculosis Interferon-Gamma Kit

The Applied Biosystems PRIMAGAM Non-Human Primate M. tuberculosis Interferon-Gamma Kit is an ELISA-based diagnostic test that measures interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in whole blood samples to detect tuberculosis (TB). Release of IFN-γ in response to stimulation with tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) antigens is a highly predictive biomarker of TB infection. Tuberculosis is a progressive disease that affects the respiratory systems of primates. It can be transmitted from non-human primates to their caretakers in zoos and research laboratories, which presents a public health hazard.

The kit detects IFN-γ in the following species: Aotus (night/owl monkey), Ateles (spider monkey), chimpanzee, Colobus (guerezas), gibbon/siamang, Gorilla, guenon/De Brazza’s, langur, lemur, macaque, mandrill, marmoset, orangutan, squirrel monkey, tamarin, and vervet.

The Intradermal Eyelid Skin Test is the traditional method that is used to test for TB in non-human primates. This test requires anesthetization and detects TB based on inflammation and swelling at the site of injection. The PRIMAGAM Non-Human Primate M. tuberculosis Interferon-Gamma Kit can be used for the detection of TB in addition to or as an alternative to the Intradermal Eyelid Skin Test.

The kit follows a two-day laboratory procedure:
• Stage 1—Whole blood samples are collected, then aliquots of each sample are incubated with a single antigen: Bovine PPD, Avian PPD, or Nil Antigen Control.
• Stage 2—IFN-γ that is produced by antigen-stimulated lymphocytes is measured using ELISA technology.

The PRIMAGAM Non-Human Primate M. tuberculosis Interferon-Gamma Kit is a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of tuberculosis in non-human primates, allowing reliable and rapid screening, exclusion of non-infected animals and confirmation of infected animals.