The Mallein test is used to diagnose Glanders, a bacterial disease caused by Burkholderia mallei, through an intradermal-palpebral test. Mallein, a purified protein derivative, is injected into the eye and causes swelling within 48 hours in infected animals due to an allergic hypersensitivity reaction. While specific for Glanders, the Mallein test can produce false positives by cross-reacting with Streptococcus equi bacteria. The test procedure involves injecting the Mallein glycoprotein fraction via eye drop and observing for swelling and secretions in the eye within two days for infected animals.

1. MALLEIN TEST
ABHIJITH SP
CVAS POOKODE

2. INTRODUCTION
• The Mallein test is a sensitive and specific clinical test for GLANDERS.
• It is a common bacterial disease caused by Burkholderia mallei.
• This test is an allergic hypersensitivity test.
• Used to diagnose Glanders.
• Mallein was discovered in 1890. Before 1934, glanders was widespread.
• In the early 1900s, glanders was common in Europe, the United States of America, and Canada, and has
been successfully eliminated by mass testing and the slaughter and destruction of campaigns.
• Glanders is still present in Asia, the Middle East and South America.
• Mallein is purified protein derivative (PPD).
• Intradermal-Palpebral test is more sensitive and reliable.
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3. Advantage
• The specificity of Mallein tests and the efficiency and potency of it are
connected to the "molecular weight of protein fractions, antigenic range,
and virulence.
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4. Limitations
• Although Mallein is the most commonly used form of testing for glanders,
cross reactions were reported between Burkholderia mallei
and Streptococcus equi, which is a bacteria-caused contagious upper
respiratory tract infection of equines.
• This resulted in false-positive reactions.
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5. Procedure
• Mallein, a glycoprotein fraction of B. mallei, is usually injected by an eye-drop.
• If the animal is suffering from Glanders, they would have started producing
antibodies at an alarming rate.
• 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.
• Mallein is non toxic to normal animals, so normal animals will not have
response hypersensitivity action towards Mallein protein.
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8. THANK YOU