Progress in molecular typing of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. a. paratuberculosis) is responsible for paratuberculosis or Johne's disease, a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in different animal species. Some studies have also established a link between this microorganism and Crohn's disease in humans. Although, M. a. paratuberculosis is a difficult microorganism to cultivate in the laboratory (occasionally is non-cultivable), a proper molecular characterization of M. a. paratuberculosis is necessary to better understand the epidemiology of the disease, and design strategies to eradicate it. In the present review, we compile and discuss the recent progress attained in the diagnostic and characterization of this pathogen.