The present study was carried out to investigate the diagnostic potential of gamma interferon (IFN-&atilde;) assay and single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT), including species specification of bovine tuberculosis infection in different livestock farms of Assam and Meghalaya. A total of 199 animals (cattle and buffalo) were examined for bovine tuberculosis symptoms and swab samples were cultured. Biochemical tests and PCR were used for species specification of bovine tuberculosis. Out of 199 cases examined, 33 (16.58%) showed positive for SICTT, 39 (19.59%) for IFN-&atilde; and 35(17.59%) for PCR. Based on PCR targeting pncA region, the confirmation was done for M. Bovis. IFN-&atilde; thus ensures a sensitive and specific detection of early bovine tuberculosis infection together with SICTT and hence may be considered as a screening method of choice.&nbsp;

Diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in livestock using gamma interferon assay and single intradermal comparative tuberculin test in Assam and Meghalaya