Means and methods for the detection of immunoglobulin capable of binding to mycobacterium antigen

The invention provides a method for determining whether an animal has been exposed to a mycobacterium or immunological equivalent thereof comprising providing a collection of mycobacterium antigens and determining whether a sample from said animal comprises an immunoglobulin capable of binding to at least one of said mycobacterium antigens, the method characterized in that said at least one mycobacterium antigen is bound to a solid phase through a linking moiety. Said antigen is bound to a solid phase through a linking moiety to obtain a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for mycobacterium. Preferably, said antigen comprises a label. Said label can easily demonstrate binding of said immunoglobulin to said antigen. In one aspect, the invention provides a kit for performing a method of the invention, comprising a collection of mycobacterium antigens, wherein at least one of said antigens is bound to a solid phase through a linking moiety.