Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis.
The primary in-vivo diagnostic tool is the Single Intradermal (SID) tuberculin test, which detects delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin.
The anatomical site of injection and the immunological reactivity of different skin regions influence the sensitivity and specificity of the test.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the statements regarding SID testing:
- A. Caudal fold at base of tail gives higher specificity: The Caudal Fold Test (CFT) is widely used for routine screening. The skin of the caudal fold is less immunologically reactive to environmental mycobacteria compared to the neck skin, yielding fewer false-positive reactions and thus providing higher specificity.
- B. Cervical fold gives higher sensitivity: The cervical skin (neck region) has a richer lymphatic supply and is more immunologically reactive. Consequently, injecting PPD into the cervical fold yields a more pronounced swelling in infected animals, providing higher diagnostic sensitivity.
- C and D: The standard time for reading the tuberculin skin test is at \( 72 \pm 6 \) hours. Reading earlier (at 48 hours) or later (at 96 hours) does not reliably separate maximum sensitivity and specificity in a clinical setting, as the DTH reaction typically peaks at 72 hours.
- E: The site of injection and the timing of measurement are critical factors that directly influence both sensitivity and specificity.
Therefore, only statements A and B are widely accepted diagnostic facts.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct choice is A and B only, which is Option (A).