Molecular Epidemiology of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis on Dairy Farms
Lingling Li1, Robab Katani1, Megan Schilling1
1Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802; email: lul17@psu.edu , rxk104@psu.edu , mas985@psu.edu , vkapur@psu.edu.
Abstract:
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiological agent of severe chronic intestinal inflammatory disease in ruminants, termed Johne's disease, and can infect many other animal species, including humans. MAP has a long incubation period prior to manifestation of clinical signs including diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of production. MAP has a high prevalence in dairy herds and results in considerable adverse impacts on animal health and productivity throughout the world. Recent investigations have leveraged the characterization of the MAP genome for the development of powerful new molecular techniques for MAP strain differentiation. These approaches are providing key insights into the epidemiology and transmission of MAP on and between dairy herds. We summarize the state of the art for MAP diagnostics and strain differentiation and our current knowledge of mechanisms of within- and between-herd transmission of MAP, along with future needs for the development of rational MAP infection control programs.
Insights
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's disease in ruminants and can infect humans. New molecular tools improve MAP diagnostics and strain differentiation, aiding in understanding and controlling its transmission in dairy herds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's disease, a chronic intestinal inflammation in ruminants.
- MAP infection leads to significant economic losses in global dairy industries due to decreased animal health and productivity.
- The pathogen has a long incubation period, complicating early detection and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current diagnostic and strain differentiation techniques for MAP.
- To summarize knowledge on MAP transmission dynamics within and between animal herds.
- To identify future research needs for effective MAP infection control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging genomic characterization of MAP for molecular diagnostics.
- Analyzing epidemiological data to understand transmission patterns.
- Reviewing existing literature on MAP diagnostics, epidemiology, and control.
Main Results:
- Advanced molecular techniques based on MAP genome characterization offer powerful tools for strain differentiation.
- These methods provide crucial insights into MAP epidemiology and transmission dynamics.
- Current understanding of within- and between-herd transmission mechanisms is improving.
Conclusions:
- Genomic insights are revolutionizing MAP diagnostics and strain differentiation.
- A better understanding of transmission is essential for developing effective control programs.
- Further research is needed to implement rational strategies for MAP infection control in livestock.
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