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Paratuberculosis in red deer (Cervus elaphus): an immunohistochemical study
F A Paolicchi1, A Vagnozzi, C G Morsella
1Department of Animal Production, National University of Mar del Plata, EEA INTA Balcarce, PO Box 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina. fpaolicchi@balcarce.inta.gov.ar
Summary
Immunohistochemistry effectively identified Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (M. paratuberculosis) in red deer tissues, agreeing with bacterial isolation, histology, and serology. This method is valuable when bacterial recovery is challenging.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (M. paratuberculosis) causes significant disease in ruminants.
- Accurate diagnostic methods are crucial for controlling M. paratuberculosis infections in wildlife.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) against serological and histological methods for M. paratuberculosis detection in red deer tissues.
- To establish bacterial isolation as the reference standard for comparison.
Main Methods:
- Samples from seven clinically affected red deer with lesions were analyzed.
- Serological tests included Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Gel Diffusion (GD).
- Histology, bacterial isolation, and immunohistochemistry were performed on intestinal and mesenteric lymph node samples.
Main Results:
- M. paratuberculosis was successfully isolated from all seven animals.
- Histological examination revealed characteristic lesions, including necrosis and inflammation.
- Immunohistochemistry demonstrated clear staining of M. paratuberculosis within macrophages and giant cells, showing complete agreement with other diagnostic methods.
Conclusions:
- Immunohistochemistry is a highly useful diagnostic tool for characterizing M. paratuberculosis in red deer tissues.
- The method shows excellent concordance with bacterial isolation, histology, and serology.
- IHC is particularly valuable in cases where bacterial recovery from tissues or feces is difficult.