Field performance of six Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis antigens in a 20h interferon gamma release assay in Belgium.

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), is a chronic granulomatous enteritis which primarily affects domestic and wild ruminants, resulting in serious economic losses for dairy and beef industry around the world. There is no satisfactory cure or vaccine, and actual diagnostic tests need improvement, particularly for the initial stages of the disease.