Pathogenesis of paratuberculosis.
Paratuberculosis in ruminants is characterized by oral ingestion of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), followed by a long incubation period during which time MAP is able to survive within the host’s macrophages. Initially the infection is held in check by the host’s cell-mediated immune response, but gradually the host loses control of the infection. The infection incites a granulomatous inflammatory response in intestinal tissue and mesenteric lymph nodes, resulting in protein-losing enteropathy, malabsorption, diarrhea, weight loss, and edema.
Section of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA. rsweeney@vet.upenn.edu
Raymond W
RW
Sweeney
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000662:veterinary; D016927:Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D010283:Paratuberculosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D012418:Ruminants