Plasma antibody profiles in non‐human primate tuberculosis

Background Tuberculosis ( TB ) in non‐human primates ( NHP s) is highly contagious, requiring efficient identification of animals infected with M ycobacterium 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 ( L uminex ® ‐ P latform) was developed. Results Data revealed antibodies against eight antigens ( R v3875, R v3875– R v3874 fusion, R v3874, R v0934, R v3881, R v1886c, R v2031, R v3841) in experimentally infected ( M . tuberculosis strains: E rdman and H 37 R v) NHP s (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 ( R v0831, R v2220, R v0054, R v1099, and R v0129c). 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.