Evaluation of the presence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in the saliva of cows with subclinical form of john’s disease

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Afshin Jafari Dehkordi 1
Keyvan Ghanizadeh 2
Masoud Ghorbanpoor 3
1 Department of clinical science veterinary faculty of Shahrekord university
2 Department of clinical science, veterinary faculty of Shahrekord university
3 Department of pathobiology veterinary faculty of Shahrekord university
10.22034/ijvcs.2025.116353
Abstract
Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting ruminants worldwide. Early detection of MAP-infected animals is crucial for disease control. This study aimed to investigate the presence of MAP in saliva and urine samples of cows with subclinical Johne's disease, as a non-invasive and easily accessible diagnostic approach.
Saliva samples were collected from 40 seropositive cows with subclinical Johne's disease, confirmed through fecal PCR. An additional 40 seronegative cows were included as controls. PCR testing was conducted on the selected samples to check for MAP contamination.
Out of the 40 seropositive cows with subclinical Johne's disease, 30 (75%) tested positive for MAP in saliva samples. In the control group, only four cows (10%) tested positive for MAP in saliva. The difference in MAP detection between the diseased and control groups was statistically significant.
Until now, it has been widely believed among researchers that MAP, primarily transmits through the fecal-oral route. However, the findings of the current study indicate the potential for contamination through saliva, which is an important factor to consider. The high prevalence of MAP in these samples suggests that they may also serve as valuable alternatives to fecal samples for early disease detection.

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Iranian Journal of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Volume 18, Issue 1 - Serial Number 30
Spring & Summer 2024
August 2024
Pages 55-61