Diagnostig

Diagnostig has particular expertise in the synthesis of individual components of the cell walls of mycobacteria, including a number of molecules present in BCG vaccine. These molecules are potent immune signalling agents and are being evaluated as potential adjuvants (increase the potency) in vaccines, including those for animal diseases.

They can also be used to detect antibodies in serum from animals infected with diseases caused by mycobacteria, such as Johne’s disease or bovine TB. Johne’s is a wasting disease caused by Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, and is present in many herds; it is very difficult to detect in its early stages and there is growing pressure to validate Johne’s free herds for the food chain. Diagnostig is developing rapid testing that can give a result on the farm.