Microagglutination Test (MAT) on Specimens from Non-Human Sources
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Detection of antibodies to Francisella tularensis by MAT in non-human specimens.
- Tularemia
Fresh animal serum.
Minimum volume required is 0.25 mL.
Hyperlipemic, hemolysed or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.
Collect blood in serum separator tubes.
Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 ml screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimens refrigerated up to 5 days or store frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry or with freezer packs.
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Appropriate clinical symptoms and suspected exposure to F. tularensis. An animal with a mild infection may be asymptomatic or exhibit lack of appetite, lethargy and a low-grade fever. Signs of a more serious infection include dehydration, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, ulcers in or around the mouth, and jaundice.
Completed Requisition for Serological Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents. If possible, include the collection information and clinical history.
Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant collection information.
THIS TEST IS PERFORMED FOR INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
In-house microagglutination test (MAT). This is a semi-quantitative test for the detection antibodies to F. tularensis, where a single serum titre of ≥ 128 is considered positive. A four-fold or greater increase in titre between two serum samples drawn a minimum of 4 weeks apart is considered presumptive evidence of a recent or current infection with F. tularensis.
21 calendar days.
- Brown SL, McKinney FT, Klein GC, Jones WL, 1980. J Clin Microbiol 11:146-148.