Diagnostic Alternatives for Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Domestic Ruminants: “Well, Nobody’s Perfect” (Some Like It Hot, 1959)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The knowledge of the prevalence of an infection of such a microorganism as MAP (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis)- considering its very precise individualities, is the key issue when deciding which control measures to apply, in the precise individualities of a geographic region. The absence of scientific-based information about the prevalence of bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) could restrict the possibilities of systematic interventions for a problem already confirmed and known by the sanitary authorities, but without information on prevalence, epidemiology, and impact or economical losses, such confirmation is worthless. For the antemortem diagnosis of PTB in domestic ruminants, an important number of testing alternatives are available and recommended, including those used to detect MAP-cellular response, specific antibodies, MAP genes, and even only MAP growth. In this sense, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests vary significantly depending on the infection stage and inherent characteristics of the methods. In this reviewing appraisal, the advantages and disadvantages of currently available MAP diagnostic alternatives are revised, with the firm intention of proposing a response to a changing biological and methodological reality.