A New Method Used for Detection of Tularemia Epizootics (Novyi Metod Vyyavleniya Epizootii Tulyaremii),
Abstract
A method of detection of F. tularensis antigen in the excreta of birds of prey is suggested for establishing tularemia epizootics. Experiments demonstrated a possibility of detecting the antigen with the aid of reaction of antibody neutralization in the excreta obtained from Buteo buteo, F. Tinnunculus and F. subbuteo after feeding them on infected albino mice not earlier than on the 4th day of the disease. In all the cases the reaction proved to be highly specific. The antigen was revealed in the excreta (although in somewhat lower titres of the reaction), even when the birds were fed on healthy mice with addition of infected ones (12-20%). The absence of a living causative agent in the excreta permits carrying out the work without observance of a special regimen, in the usual serological laboritories. A preliminary report may be obtained in several hours, and a final one -- the next day after collection of the material. A field trial demonstrated the presence of the antigen in 27% of the excreta collected in the region of intensive tularemia epizootic; no antigen was revealed in the absence of epizootic. The period of persistence of the tularemia antigen in the excreta is determined by the time of existence of excreta, which are rapidly destroyed by insects and as a result of rotting. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 19, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0725582
Entities
People
- B. P. Dobrokhatov
- I. S. Mesheryakova
Organizations
- United States Army Foreign Science and Technology Center