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[Paratuberculosis: the pathogen and routes of infection]
1Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Institut für Mikrobiologie und Tierseuchen, Hannover. gfgerlach@gmx.de
Abstract:
Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. paratuberculosis), is a chronic and incurable enteritis of ruminants with economic importance worldwide. The infectious agent is an acid-fast rod defined solely based on its mycobactin-dependent growth in vitro and the presence of insertion element IS900. The bacterium, which is difficult to culture primarily due to its extremely slow growth, occurs not only in cattle but also in other ruminant. In addition, it has been isolated from non-ruminant species. Despite its wide spectrum of potential hosts the contact between adult cattle and calves is the predominant route of infection within a herd as well as among herds. To interrupt this route of infection hygienic measures, primarily for the housing and feeding of calves, as well as diagnostic measures prior to trading of cattle are urgently required.
Insights
Paratuberculosis, a chronic ruminant enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, presents significant economic challenges. Controlling infection requires improved hygiene and diagnostics, especially concerning cattle contact and calf management.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Ruminant Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. paratuberculosis), is a chronic, incurable enteritis in ruminants with global economic impact.
- M. paratuberculosis is an acid-fast rod characterized by mycobactin-dependent growth and the presence of insertion element IS900.
- The bacterium's extremely slow growth rate complicates in vitro culturing and diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To highlight the challenges in culturing and diagnosing M. paratuberculosis due to its slow growth.
- To emphasize the predominant infection route between adult cattle and calves.
- To underscore the urgent need for hygienic and diagnostic measures to control paratuberculosis spread.
Summary:
- Paratuberculosis affects cattle and other ruminants, and has been isolated from non-ruminant species.
- The primary route of infection within and between herds is through contact between adult cattle and calves.
- Effective control strategies necessitate improved hygienic practices for calf housing and feeding, alongside diagnostic measures for cattle trading.
Impact:
- Implementing enhanced hygienic and diagnostic protocols can significantly reduce the transmission of paratuberculosis in livestock.
- Addressing the economic burden of paratuberculosis is crucial for the global ruminant industry.
- Further research into M. paratuberculosis is needed to develop more effective control and treatment strategies.