Use of multiple diagnostic tests to detect Mycobacterium pinnipedii infections in a large group of South American sea lions ( Otaria flavescens)

Since 2000, Heidelberg Zoo has been dealing with tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium pin-nipedii within its collection of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). Recently, more cases became known all across Europe. Various diagnostic methods, including microscopy, PCR, and culture of sputum samples; three serological tests (ElephantTB STAT-PAK® assay, multianti-gen print immunoassay [MAPIA], and dual path platform assay [DPP]); and diagnostic imaging, were used to examine 14 animals. M. pinnipe-dii infection was strongly suspected antemortem based on the diagnostic results and was confirmed at necropsy in 10 sea lions. ElephantTB STAT-PAK® assay, MAPIA, and DPP test showed the diagnostic potential for rapid detection of this dis-ease in live sea lions. The highest sensitivity was achieved when applying more than one test.