Investigating immune biomarkers during the progression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Recently developed tools to measure biomarkers of immune function in elephant serum provide a unique opportunity to determine how the immune system responds to infection, and to assess current diagnostic and treatment protocols. This project tested 4 Asian elephants with confirmed infection, collecting serum prior to and during infection and treatment. It is the first longitudinal study of immune function in association with elephant TB and could result in the development of new tools to improve detection rates and management options.

IEF #EX1028

Project Years: 2018

Project Partners:
Katie L. Edwards, Janine L. Brown, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Sharon Glaeser, Oregon Zoo