Early Antibody Response to Mycobacterium avium in Cattle
Author Information
Author(s): John P Bannantine, Darrell O Bayles, W Ray Waters, Mitchell V Palmer, Judith R Stabel, Michael L Paustian
Primary Institution: Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, USDA/ARS/National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify Mycobacterium paratuberculosis antigens detected by cattle early during infection and evaluate the humoral immune response.
Conclusion
M. paratuberculosis proteins can be detected in cattle as early as 70 days post-infection, suggesting potential for early diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Antibody reactivity to MAP1087 was observed in both animals by day 70.
- MAP1204 was also strongly detected by serum from both animals.
- Four out of nine subclinical cows showed reactivity to MAP1087.
Takeaway
Scientists found that cows can show signs of infection with a specific germ much earlier than previously thought, which can help in diagnosing the disease sooner.
Methodology
The study used a protein array to analyze sera from experimentally infected cattle over a year.
Limitations
The study is limited by the small sample size and the pilot nature of the research.
Participant Demographics
The study involved Holstein calves and naturally infected subclinical cattle aged 2-7 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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