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Science

Fundamental and applied research

LABORATORY FOR THE STUDY OF TUBERCULOSIS



Head of the Laboratory:
Viktor V. Bilushko,
Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, Senior Research Fellow
Phone: (057) 707-20-39
E-mail:bw.pochta@gmail.com

Research Areas:

  • Study of the characteristics of epizootic and infectious processes, and monitoring of animal and poultry tuberculosis and paratuberculosis;
  • Investigation of taxonomy, genetic variability, phylogenetic, eco-geographical, and evolutionary characteristics of mycobacteria;
  • Identification of mycobacterial species and selection of proteinogenic strains for the production of mycobacterial allergens;
  • Study of the biological properties of mycobacterial L-forms;
  • Development and improvement of diagnostic, preventive, and control systems for animal and poultry tuberculosis and paratuberculosis;
  • Enhancement and development of new methods for mycobacterial culture identification;
  • Development of nutrient media and cultivation methods for mycobacteria;
  • Development of methods to differentiate specific from para- and pseudoallergic reactions to tuberculin in animals;
  • Implementation of preventive and control systems to eradicate tuberculosis in Ukrainian livestock production.

The laboratory is accredited according to the requirements of DSTU ISO/IEC 17025:2006 for the determination and species identification of mycobacterial cultures; detection of paratuberculosis pathogens; detection of antibodies to paratuberculosis pathogens; performance of simultaneous allergic tests for diagnosing bovine tuberculosis; and evaluation of the bactericidal activity of disinfectants through direct contact with M. fortuitum and M. bovis using test objects and bioassays.



Reference Expertise: bovine tuberculosis, swine tuberculosis, avian tuberculosis, and paratuberculosis (epizootiology, diagnosis, prevention).

The laboratory hosts the Scientific and Production Center for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control.

Practical Services:

  • assessment of the epizootic situation regarding bovine tuberculosis in farms;
  • identification of causes of nonspecific reactions to tuberculin;
  • determination of the species affiliation of mycobacterial cultures persisting or circulating among livestock in Ukrainian farms;
  • consulting services for developing prevention and eradication plans for tuberculosis infection in farms;
  • production of disinfectants for various types of disinfection;
  • determination of bactericidal properties of disinfectants against tuberculosis pathogens;
  • comprehensive diagnostics of animal and avian tuberculosis, as well as paratuberculosis;
  • production of nutrient media for mycobacterial cultivation.

THE MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS IMPLEMENTED IN VETERINARY MEDICINE PRACTICE:

  • Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) Tuberculin for Mammals
  • Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) Tuberculin for Poultry
  • Dry Purified Allergen from Atypical Mycobacteria (AAM)
  • Dry Nutrient Medium for Mycobacterial Cultivation
  • Disinfectant “DZPT-2”

PERSPECTIVE DIRECTIONS:

  • Reorganization of the department in accordance with EU and WOAH (OIE) requirements into the National Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis Research
  • Development of a diagnostic, prevention, and control system for paratuberculosis in Ukraine

On a contractual basis, the laboratory provides enterprises with comprehensive scientific and consulting assistance, including: determining the epizootic situation regarding bovine tuberculosis; identifying the causes of nonspecific reactions to tuberculin; establishing the species identity of mycobacterial cultures that persist or circulate among animal populations in Ukrainian farms; providing consultations on the development of preventive and recovery measures against tuberculosis infection; producing disinfectants for various types of disinfection; conducting comprehensive diagnostics of tuberculosis in animals and poultry, as well as paratuberculosis; and preparing nutrient media for mycobacterial cultivation.