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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #217494

Title: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Author
item LI, LINGLING - UNIV. OF MN
item SINGH, SUSHMITA - UNIV. OF MN
item Bannantine, John
item KANJILAL, SAGARIKA - UNIV. OF MN
item KAPUR, VIVEK - UNIV. OF MN

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/20/2008
Publication Date: 2/1/2009
Citation: Li, L., Singh, S., Bannantine, J.P., Kanjilal, S., Kapur, V. 2009. Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. In: Nene, V., Kole, C., editors. Genome Mapping and Genomics in Animal-Associated Microbes. Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag. p. 65-83.

Interpretive Summary: This chapter is a thorough review of the genome sequence highlights of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis, the causative agent of Johne’s disease. It discusses topics of metabolic, unique hypothetical and virulence genes as well as provides statistical descriptions of the genome itself. The genome sequence is also used to propose several explanations for the slow growth of this bacterium and how it can be used in population genetics or to distinguish among different bacterial strains. This information is of most use for scientists working in the field.

Technical Abstract: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) is the causative agent of Johne’s disease in cattle and other domesticated and wild ruminant species. The organism and disease were first described over a century ago, and despite the considerable morbidity and mortality associated with Map infection in animal agriculture, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms of virulence and pathogenesis of infection or the population structure and molecular epidemiology of the bacterium. The description of the complete genome sequence of the K-10 strain of Map in 2005 has catalyzed and enabled research in these areas, particularly as relates to methods for strain differentiation and diagnostic test development. In the current chapter, we provide a post-genomics perspective on our current understanding of the bacterium and the disease it causes, and highlight our current understanding of the population structure of Map. Overall, the availability of the genome sequence of Map has provided a strong foundation for the rational development of the next generation of tools and techniques for the prevention and control of this devastating animal pathogen.