Culture phenotypes and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from small ruminants.

In this study the suitability of different solid media was investigated for the isolation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) in order to identify the optimum single or combination of media to permit the isolation of all strain types from small ruminants. A subset of these Map strains was then further characterized by molecular typing methods to assess the genetic diversity of Map strains in the study area (Northern Greece).

Study of microbiological and molecular typing aspects of paratuberculosis in sheep and goats in Northern Greece.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, an acid-fast bacterium is the agent of Johne's disease, an intestinal disease that causes poor nutrient intake in ruminants. During the period 1987-2003, 322 of 777 (41.

Comparison of DNA probe test and cultivation methods for detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in caprine and ovine faeces.

Objective: To compare a DNA probe test with two cultivation methods for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in goat and sheep faeces.

Design: Comparison of the results of the three methods with histological examination as the reference standard.

Procedure: Faecal specimens were obtained from goats and sheep originating from flocks known to be affected with paratuberculosis and tested for Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis with a DNA probe test and two cultivation methods (old conventional culture and new double incubation method in Herrold's and Lowenstein-Jensen medium).