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.


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


METHODS
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).


RESULTS
In goats, the sensitivity of the various tests were for the DNA probe test 17.2%, for the double incubation culture method 25.4% and for the old conventional culture method 22.8% using the histopathological results as reference. In sheep the sensitivity of the various tests were for the DNA probe test 13.2%, for the double incubation culture method 8.8% and for the old conventional culture method 5.9% using the histopathological results as reference. The specificity of the above tests was 100% in goats and sheep and the specificity of the double incubation culture method in goats was 91%.


CONCLUSIONS
The DNA probe test is a rapid and specific test that could be used in a control program if the sensitivity of the test were improved and possibly in combination with another test.
Dimareli-Malli
Z
Z
National Agricultural Research Foundation, Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, 26th October str 80, 546 27, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Sarris
K
K
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D015342:DNA Probes; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D006041:Goats; D016927:Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010283:Paratuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology
D015342:DNA Probes; D004269:DNA, Bacterial