Ovine Paratuberculosis: Seroprevalence and comparison of fecal culture and direct fecal PCR assay

Abstract

Johne’s disease is chronic, incurable disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Most studies in Egypt focused on incidence of the disease in cattle but few studies were reported presence of antibodies against MAP in sheep. The present study determined the seroprevalence rate of MAP among sheep in four Governorates and assessed the associated risk factors to MAP-infection. The seroprevalence rate of MAP among sheep was non-significant varied between different Governorates, it was ranged between 3.75%–12.3%. The results revealed that the seroprevalence rate of the disease was significantly increased in diarrheic sheep (11 %, 95 %CI: 7.2−16.2) during spring (15 %, 95 %CI: 8.3−25) and summer (8%, 95 %CI: 4.13−13.8) seasons. Contrary, the age of sheep and contact with other ruminants like cattle or goats had non-significant effect of spreading of MAP-infection among sheep. The detection of MAP in feces of sheep was carried out using culture and PCR to determine the efficiency of both tests. The kappa test revealed good agreement between both tests for detection of MAP. The obtained finding confirms the presence of MAP among sheep in Egypt. So, the appropriate control measures should be taken to reduce spreading of the disease among sheep and reduce its economic losses.