Plasma antibody profiles in non-human primate tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) in non-human primates (NHPs) is highly contagious, requiring efficient identification of animals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculin skin test is usually used but lacks desirable sensitivity/specificity and efficiency. Methods: We aimed to develop an immunoassay for plasma antibodies against M. tuberculosis. A key challenge is that not all infected animals contain antibodies against the same M. tuberculosis antigen. Therefore, a multiplex panel of 28 antigens (Luminex^®-Platform) was developed. Results: Data revealed antibodies against eight antigens (Rv3875, Rv3875-Rv3874 fusion, Rv3874, Rv0934, Rv3881, Rv1886c, Rv2031, Rv3841) in experimentally infected (M. tuberculosis strains: Erdman and H37Rv) NHPs (rhesus and cynomolgus macaques). In a naturally acquired M. tuberculosis infection, rhesus macaques (n = 15) with lung TB pathology (n = 10) contained antibodies to five additional antigens (Rv0831, Rv2220, Rv0054, Rv1099, and Rv0129c). Conclusions: Results suggest that this user-friendly and easily implementable multiplex panel, containing 13 M. tuberculosis antigens, may provide a high-throughput alternative for NHP TB screening.