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CSIRO Media Release |
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23 September 1998 |
Ref 98/225 |
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The latest test in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) enters the world market today.
PRIMAGAM™, a test for tuberculosis in primates, is the latest in a series of TB test kits based on unique diagnostic technology developed by CSL and CSIRO Animal Health.
Human TB can infect all primates. The new test will help protect gorillas, chimpanzees, orang-utans, other primates and their human handlers from this silent plague, regarded by the World Health Organisation as a global emergency.
Human TB kills about 3 million people every year and is re-emerging in the USA and Europe especially amongst HIV patients and drug users. Cattle TB has been practically eliminated in Australia but is a major livestock disease issue in the USA, New Zealand and Europe. Cattle TB can also infect people.
The technology, first developed for Australia's billion dollar cattle TB eradication program in the 1980s, is among the star attractions of Manufesto'98, the nation's biggest science and industry fair, opening in Melbourne today.
According to Dr Paul Wood, leader of the team that developed the tests, Australia's expertise is unmatched in this area.
"We realised in the 1980's that we'd never get a good test for TB if we relied on the conventional approach of detecting antibodies. Instead we targeted certain 'killer T-cells', special white blood cells that animals produce when they're attacked by the TB bacterium," Dr Wood said.
"We've translated our invention into a robust test that replaces the traditional skin test. Our test is faster, more accurate, requires less training, and requires only one visit or inspection."
"The technology is protected by 16 patents. Kits are already on the market for cattle and human TB. Today we're extending the technology to primates. It can also be applied to many other human and animal diseases including leprosy, Johne's disease, and many hard-to-diagnose viral and parasitic diseases," said Dr Wood.
Dr Ralph Slaughter, CSL's Veterinary Export Manager, says the quality and effectiveness of the test has been recognised around the world:
"The bovine test is sold in over 25 countries,"
he said.
"Following its use in Australia, the human test is currently
being assessed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The commercial opportunities of the test are substantial, but
more importantly, the test will play a significant role in the
continuing fight against TB around the world."
CSL's USA subsidiary Biocor Animal Health will market both PRIMAGAM™ and the cattle test, BOVIGAM™ in the United States.
Manufesto'98 is open from today until 5pm Friday, 25 September. Manufesto '98 is sponsored by CSIRO, Business Victoria and the Federal Department of Industry Science and Tourism with the support of the Australian Industry Research Group (AIRG) and the Australian Vice Chancellors' Committee (AVCC).
More information: for CSIRO, Dr Jack Malecki - 03 5227 5028;
for CSL: Dr Paul Wood 03 93891252, e-mail paulw@csl.com.au or Dr Ralph Slaughter - 03 9389 1810
Media are welcome to attend Manufesto '98.
For information about the event please contact Rosie
Schmedding 02 6276 6520 or 0418 622 653.
More information is available on the Internet at: http://www.manufesto.csiro.au/
(Australia's largest scientific research organisation)
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