Mallein test

Mallein test being performed in 1918

The mallein test is a sensitive and specific clinical test for glanders, a common bacterial disease of equids (horses, donkeys, mules).[1] This test is a type 4 delayed hypersensitivity test used as a diagnosis for glanders.[1] It is caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia mallei, which is contagious for humans and other species.[1] The occurrence of glanders must be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health.[1] Mallein, a protein fraction of B. mallei, is usually injected by an eye-drop. If an animal is infected, the animal will show swelling in the eye from around 48 hours of injection and may be accompanied by secretion and conjunctivitis.[2] Mallein is non toxic to normal animals.[3]

  1. ^ a b c d Naureen A, Saqib M, Muhammad G, Hussain MH, Asi MN (July 2007). "Comparative evaluation of Rose Bengal plate agglutination test, mallein test, and some conventional serological tests for diagnosis of equine glanders". J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 19 (4): 362–7. doi:10.1177/104063870701900404. PMID 17609344.
  2. ^ de Carvalho Filho MB, Ramos RM, Fonseca AA, de Lima Orzil L, Sales ML, de Assis Santana VL, de Souza MM, Dos Reis Machado E, Filho PR, Leite RC, Dos Reis JK (September 2012). "Development and validation of a method for purification of mallein for the diagnosis of glanders in equines". BMC Vet. Res. 8: 154. doi:10.1186/1746-6148-8-154. PMC 3514244. PMID 22937975.
  3. ^ Hagebock JM, Schlater LK, Frerichs WM, Olson DP (January 1993). "Serologic responses to the mallein test for glanders in solipeds". J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 5 (1): 97–9. doi:10.1177/104063879300500121. PMID 8466990.