Paratuberculosis in Latin America: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Paratuberculosis is a contagious gastrointestinal disease in ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP).
• MAP is environmentally resistant, posing challenges for control and highlighting its public health and socioeconomic significance.
• The disease's subclinical to clinical nature and potential link to human Crohn's disease underscore the need for regional research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a descriptive review of research on paratuberculosis and MAP detection in Latin American countries.
• To identify the prevalence of studies and common detection methods for MAP in various animal hosts across the region.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed on Scopus, PubMed, Agris, and Science Direct databases.
• Keywords included 'paratuberculosis,' 'Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis,' animal species, and country names.
• Studies were reviewed without date restrictions, focusing on MAP detection in Latin America until September 2016.

Main Results:

• Research on paratuberculosis was identified in nine Latin American countries, with Brazil (31 studies) and Argentina (17 studies) having the most.
• MAP was detected in various hosts, including cattle, goats, sheep, water buffalo, and wildlife.
• Common diagnostic techniques employed were microbiological culture, PCR, and ELISA.

Conclusions:

• The limited number of studies across Latin America may lead to an inaccurate assessment of the true prevalence and impact of paratuberculosis.
• Further research is crucial to fully understand and manage the risks associated with MAP in the region's animal populations and potential public health implications.