Analysis of correlations between the occurrence of anti-MAP antibodies in blood serum and the presence of DNA-MAP in milk

Pol J Vet Sci. 2009;12(3):379-83.

Abstract

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is a chronic, infectious enteritis of both domestic and wild ruminants. Unfortunately, the problem of MAP infections is not linked only with the health status of animals and potential direct and indirect economic losses in bovine herds (of dairy cattle in particular). MAP bacilli present in food of animal origin (milk in particular) are likely to lead to the development of the disease in humans. Fast and effective diagnosis of the disease in animals, especially of its subclinical form, may prevent the transmission of the germ to humans. The study was aimed at analyzing the correlations between the occurance of seropositive and serodoubtful reaction in the ELISA test and the presence of DNA-MAP in udder milk. The results suggest that half of the population of animals with positive and doubtful serological responces against John's disease are likely to be a potential source of germ transmission into humans. The fact of detecting DNA-MAP in 1/3 of all milk samples points to the likelihood of occurrence of MAP bacilli in milk of animals not displaying seropositive or serodoubtful responses.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Cattle
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Female
  • Milk / chemistry*
  • Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis / immunology*
  • Paratuberculosis / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • DNA, Bacterial