Effect of combination therapy in Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infected rabbits

Rabbits, infected with M paratuberculosis of caprine origin, were treated with streptomycin sulphate and rifampicin in combination with levamisole hydrochloride for a period of 2 months. Marked clinical response including significant rise in total serum protein, albumin and globulin were recorded in treated groups. Highly significant higher leucocyte migration inhibition indicating enhanced CMI reaction, occurred in rabbits treated for 4 weeks. Complete elimination of M. paratuberculosis from faeces, intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes was observed. They were also absent from spleen, kidneys, lungs and liver of rabbits treated with rifampicin and levamisole, whereas were present in lungs of the rabbits administered with streptomycin and levamisole. Absence of characteristic lesions of paratuberculosis and evidence of regenerative reaction were observed in visceral organs of rabbits treated with rifampicin and levamisole. Effectiveness of rifampicin is attributed to its effect on lymphocyte, the primary cell involved in cell mediated immunity. Rifampicin-levamisole combination appeared superior to streptomycin-levamisole in eliminating the infection of M. paratuberculosis from infected rabbits. Approximate cost of treatment was calculated to be Rs 8.50 per kg body weight. Cattle, sheep and goats, if treated in early stage of infection may recover from paratuberculosis.