Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bovine paratuberculosis: a review of the advantages and disadvantages of different diagnostic tests.
- Journal:
- Revista Argentina de microbiologia
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Gilardoni, Liliana R et al.
- Affiliation:
- Cá
Plain-English summary
Paratuberculosis, also known as Johne's disease, is a long-lasting infection that affects the intestines of ruminants like cows, caused by a specific type of bacteria. This disease leads to symptoms such as diarrhea and severe weight loss, which can ultimately be fatal, especially in young calves who are most at risk. Infected animals spread the bacteria mainly through their feces, and this disease is common worldwide, posing economic challenges and potential links to human health issues like Crohn's disease. There are various tests available to diagnose this infection, each with different levels of accuracy depending on how advanced the disease is in the animal. Choosing the right test is crucial for effective management and control of the disease.
Abstract
Paratuberculosis (PTB), or Johne's disease, is a chronic infectious granulomatous enteritis of ruminants, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). It is characterized by diarrhea and progressive cachexia, which may cause the death of the animal. Calves are the most susceptible to infection. Infected animals excrete Map mainly by the feces. PTB is endemic worldwide, with high prevalence levels, strong economic impact and public health relevance because of its possible association with Crohn's disease. Although the current reference diagnostic test is identification of Map in the bacterial culture, there are different diagnostic tests to identify infected individuals and/or herds. The sensitivity and specificity of these tests vary according to the stage of the disease in the animals to be evaluated. The correct choice and application of each of these diagnostic tests will ensure their success and may allow to establish a control program. The aim of this work is to review and discuss the different diagnostic tests used in the detection of Map-infected animals, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23102470/