Detection of tuberculosis in cattle relies on the intradermal tuberculin test (ITT), but a definitive diagnosis requires identification of the pathogen after the animal is slaughtered. DNA in nasal swabs from 50 cows was analyzed by m-PCR, targeting for the RvD1-Rv2031c and IS6110 sequences. M. bovis was identified in two of 34 tuberculous cows (5.9%). The use of mPCR of nasal swabs as an in vivo diagnostic tool for bovine tuberculosis is suggested.
Keywords: Mycobacterium bovis; bovine tuberculosis; multiplex-PCR; nasal swab.