Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sung-Woon Choi, Suji Kim, Hong-Tae Park, Hyun-Eui Park, Jeong-Soo Choi, Han Sang Yoo
Summary: This study utilized circulating miRNA as a diagnostic tool for JD and found that miRNA expression changed as MAP infection progressed. Eight differentially expressed miRNAs were selected as biomarker candidates in all infected groups and were validated through qRT-PCR. Network analysis predicted the activation of mRNAs associated with regulatory T cells in the subclinical stage, suggesting that two miRNAs (bta-miR-374b, bta-miR-2887) may play major roles in the immune response to MAP infection during the subclinical stage.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jessica Lobo Albuquerque Caldeira, Ana Carolina Silva Faria, Edgar Andres Diaz-Miranda, Tiago Jaquel Zilch, Sanely Lourenco da Costa Caliman, Denise Silva Okano, Jose Domingues Guimara, Junnia Luisa Pena, Wagner Faria Barbosa, Abelardo Silva Junior, Yung-Fu Chang, Maria Aparecida Scatamburlo Moreira
Summary: The study found that MAP affects the motility and vigor of bovine sperm, with higher concentrations of MAP leading to lower sperm performance. MAP was found to remain viable in samples of higher concentrations after thawing, indicating the potential transmission of this pathogen through artificial insemination.
Article
Microbiology
Judah Ssekitoleko, Lonzy Ojok, Ahmed Abd El Wahed, Joseph Erume, Ahmad Amanzada, ElSagad Eltayeb, Kamal H. Eltom, Julius Boniface Okuni
Summary: This review discusses the mechanisms utilized by MAP to overcome the host defense system to achieve virulence, including putative MAP virulence genes and their probable roles in comparison to other mycobacteria. It also highlights the importance of understanding MAP virulence mechanisms in controlling and preventing paratuberculosis.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Melina Rasper-Hossinger, Michael Biggel, Roger Stephan, Frauke Seehusen, Simone Scherrer
Summary: The study aimed to analyze strain diversity in MAP-positive fecal samples using specific SNPs to distinguish between cattle and sheep type MAP, as well as SNPs within gyrA and gyrB genes to differentiate between Types I, II, and III. MIRU-VNTR analysis using eight loci was also performed. The results showed a heterogeneity of MAP in Switzerland, with 96.7% of the samples containing C-type MAP and 3.3% containing S-type MAP.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alexander Byrne, Nathalie Bissonnette, Severine Ollier, Kapil Tahlan
Summary: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's Disease (JD) in ruminants and poses significant economic loss to the global dairy industry. This study investigates the prevalence and impact of mixed strain infection (MSI) and microevolution on JD by analyzing MAP isolates from high-shedding animals. The results show evidence of MSIs and microevolution in most animals, with variations in short sequence repeats (SSRs) affecting protein products and potentially influencing the infectivity of the pathogen. These findings provide insights into the dynamics and evolution of MAP in JD.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alexander Byrne, Nathalie Bissonnette, Severine Ollier, Kapil Tahlan
Summary: This study reveals the presence of mixed strain infection and microevolution in high-shedding animals, which could have implications for the development of Johne's Disease in dairy cattle.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sepideh Hosseiniporgham, Lucio Rebechesu, Pierangela Pintore, Stefano Lollai, Maria Dattena, Simone Russo, Angelo Ruiu, Leonardo A. Sechi
Summary: Paratuberculosis is an incurable gastroenteritis in ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). A novel phage-based assay (PBQ) showed a superior limit of detection compared to the conventional method (PMS), indicating its potential for assessing MAP viability in milk samples. The PBQ method was preferred due to its lower LOD, higher sensitivity, rapidity, and lack of additional treatments required.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Gerard Badia-Bringue, Maria Canive, Marta Alonso-Hearn
Summary: In this study, the genetic loci associated with resistance to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection were investigated. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) isolated from healthy Holsteins cows were infected with MAP and their performance was evaluated. Bacterial load within MDMs and gene expression levels were quantified. Genome-wide association study identified SNPs associated with low bacterial load within MDMs. Some of the identified SNPs were located within QTLs previously associated with other traits.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Maedeh Moghadam, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi, Hamideh Akbari, Hadi Razavi Nikoo, Samin Zamani
Summary: This study investigated the association between MAP and HT. The results indicated that the frequency of MAP and MAP3865c antibodies was significantly higher in HT patients compared to the healthy controls. Furthermore, individuals with a positive result for MAP or anti-MAP3865c antibodies showed a significantly higher rate of livestock contact and traditional dairy consumption.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Iraia Ladero-Aunon, Elena Molina, Angela Holder, Jeannine Kolakowski, Heather Harris, Alfonso Urkitza, Juan Anguita, Dirk Werling, Natalia Elguezabal
Summary: The study investigated the role of neutrophils in in vitro mycobacterial infection, showing that neutrophils are effective in killing Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yanhong Bao, Shuiyin Wu, Tianze Yang, Zi Wang, Yiming Wang, Xiuyun Jiang, Hongxia Ma
Summary: In this study, the lncRNA expression profiles and lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network of bovine monocytes-macrophages infected with MAP were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs were significantly enriched in functional groups related to immune regulation, and multiple important biochemical, metabolic, and signal transduction pathways were enriched. The findings of this study provide key information to better understand the role of MAP in initiating an inappropriate and persistent infection in susceptible hosts, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the early phases of paratuberculosis.
Article
Microbiology
Umesh K. Shandilya, Xiang Wu, Caitlin McAllister, Lucy Mutharia, Niel A. Karrow
Summary: This study found that knocking out the TLR4 gene in bovine MAC-T cells enhanced inflammation in response to MAP. These findings advance our understanding of the role of TLR4 in the context of MAP infection.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucia Korbonits, Kristina J. H. Kleinwort, Barbara Amann, Andrea Didier, Erwin Martlbauer, Stefanie M. Hauck, Cornelia A. Deeg
Summary: This study aimed to detect proteomic changes in cows with different MAP infection status after co-incubation with viable MAP in vitro. The results showed that MAP-resistant cows exhibited enriched immune-related signaling pathways, indicating a successful defensive immune response to MAP. On the other hand, persistently MAP-infected cows did not show enrichment in immune-related signaling pathways. These distinct immune responses contribute to a better understanding of the bovine immune response and susceptibility mechanisms to MAP.
Article
Microbiology
Yanhong Bao, Yu Yao, Zi Wang, Shuiyin Wu, Xiuyun Jiang, Hongxia Ma
Summary: This study analyzed the mRNA and circRNA expression profiles of MAP-infected bovine monocyte-macrophages and uninfected bovine cells using high-throughput sequencing. The differentially expressed genes related to macrophage immune response were significantly enriched in Gene Ontology and multiple signaling pathways were significantly enriched in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Additionally, RT-qPCR technology verified the accuracy of the mRNA sequencing results.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Umesh K. Shandilya, Xiang Wu, Caitlin McAllister, Lucy Mutharia, Niel A. Karrow
Summary: In this study, IL10RAKO bovine mammary epithelial cells were infected with MAP to investigate the immune response. The IL10RAKO cells showed increased release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, but no significant induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, IL10RA was found to be involved in regulating the miRNA response to MAP infection.
IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-ANIMAL
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thoko Flav Kapalamula, Joseph Chizimu, Lawrence Belotindos, Mwangala Akapelwa, Dipti Shrestha, Mirriam Ethel Nyenje, Musso Munyeme, Bernard Mudenda Hang'ombe, Rajhab Sawasawa Mkakosya, Stephen V. Gordon, Chie Nakajima, Yasuhiko Suzuki
Summary: Bovine tuberculosis is a neglected disease that has a higher burden in developing countries due to lack of control measures, such as testing and slaughter of infected cattle and pasteurization of milk. Molecular typing studies of M. bovis isolates from a cold storage abattoir in Malawi revealed high diversity of the pathogen in the area, suggesting long-term circulation of the infection. Genetic similarities between isolates from Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique indicate transmission links in this region and highlight the need for improved control strategies.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gianluigi Rossi, Joseph Crispell, Tanis Brough, Samantha J. Lycett, Piran C. L. White, Adrian Allen, Richard J. Ellis, Stephen Gordon, Roland Harwood, Eleftheria Palkopoulou, Eleanor L. Presho, Robin Skuce, Graham C. Smith, Rowland R. Kao
Summary: Understanding how emergent pathogens establish and persist in new populations is crucial for disease ecology. This study analyzed the outbreak dynamics of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle and badgers in a low-risk area, using mathematical modeling, evolutionary analyses, and machine learning. The findings not only supported initial outbreak control decisions based on whole-genome sequencing but also provided insights for future outbreaks control and rapid decision-making based on evidence. The methods developed are valuable for other slowly transmitting pathogens as well.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Aine B. Collins, Sian Floyd, Stephen Gordon, Simon J. More
Summary: This study systematically reviewed published studies to estimate the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis in raw milk. The results showed a high risk of zoonotic transmission of M. bovis through unpasteurised milk and dairy products made using raw milk. This highlights the importance of controlling bovine tuberculosis to protect public health.
Article
Microbiology
Viktor Perets, Adrian Allen, Joseph Crispell, Sophie Cassidy, Aoife O'Connor, Damien Farrell, John A. Browne, Jim O'Mahony, Robin Skuce, Kevin Kenny, Stephen Gordon
Summary: This study applied whole genome sequencing (WGS) to analyze 197 Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) isolates from cattle herds in Ireland. The results showed that WGS provided more detailed grouping compared to mycobacterial interspersed random unit - variable number tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR). The study also found evidence for the transmission of MAP across Ireland via cattle movement and international transmission of infection. The findings contribute new insights into the spread of MAP infection and highlight the potential of WGS in informing policy formulation to control transmission at various scales.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ruoyao Ma, Damien Farrell, Gabriel Gonzalez, John A. Browne, Chie Nakajima, Yasuhiko Suzuki, Stephen Gordon
Summary: This study investigates the function of the TbD1 locus in Mycobacterium bovis and its role in stress responses, revealing its impact on the sensitivity to oxidative stress and hypoxia-specific copper toxicity in M. bovis strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jiangang Han, Sijia Ma, Benmeng Liang, Tianyou Bai, Yuhetian Zhao, Yuehui Ma, David E. MacHugh, Lina Ma, Lin Jiang
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the development of fat tail in fat-tail sheep through histological assays, transcriptome analysis, and functional assays. They discovered that fat deposition occurs in the tail at an early embryonic stage, and identified many differentially expressed genes and pathways involved in metabolism. The MTFP1 gene was found to play a crucial role in fat tail development and was highly correlated with other genes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Susana Flores-Villalva, Aude Remot, Florence Carreras, Nathalie Winter, Stephen V. Gordon, Kieran G. Meade
Summary: Research has shown the beneficial role of vitamin D in health and resistance against infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. However, studies on bovines are limited. This study assesses the microbicidal activity and immunoregulatory effect of the vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3 on bovine peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) in response to Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG) infection.
VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Amy R. Holtby, Thomas J. Hall, Beatrice A. McGivney, Haige Han, Keith J. Murphy, David E. MacHugh, Lisa M. Katz, Emmeline W. Hill
Summary: Using genomics analyses, we identified SNPs associated with behaviour in yearling Thoroughbred horses, which help horses adapt to training and reduce stress. These SNPs are near genes involved in social behaviour, autism spectrum disorder, suicide, stress-induced anxiety and depression, Alzheimer's disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, neuroinflammatory disease, fear-induced behaviours, and alcohol and cocaine addiction. These findings contribute to improving racehorse welfare by developing genetic markers.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Emmeline W. W. Hill, Beatrice A. A. McGivney, David E. E. MacHugh
Summary: The proportion of the genome containing runs of homozygosity affects production traits in livestock populations. In European and Australasian Thoroughbreds, inbreeding quantified using ROH is associated with the probability of ever racing. In North American Thoroughbred horses, F-ROH was not associated with the probability of ever racing but was significantly associated with the number of race starts.
Article
Immunology
Susana Flores-Villalva, Cian Reid, Aude Remot, Stephen Gordon, Kieran G. Meade
Summary: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases in humans. A study investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on calves and found that it enhanced their antimicrobial and immune responses to Mycobacterium bovis BCG challenge.
VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chloe Matthews, Aaron M. Walsh, Stephen V. Gordon, Bryan Markey, Paul D. Cotter, Jim O' Mahony
Summary: This study investigated the changes in the faecal microbiome of cattle exposed to MAP compared to a control group. Significant differences in taxonomic diversity and composition were observed at 3 months post inoculation, including changes in the relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter and Bifidobacterium genera.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Elena Hailu, Daire Cantillon, Carlos Madrazo, Graham Rose, Paul R. Wheeler, Paul Golby, Bethlehem Adnew, Sebastien Gagneux, Abraham Aseffa, Stephen V. Gordon, Inaki Comas, Douglas B. Young, Simon J. Waddell, Gerald Larrouy-Maumus, Stefan Berg
Summary: Lineage 7 (L7) emerged in the phylogeny of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) subsequent to the branching of 'ancient' lineage 1 and prior to the Eurasian dispersal of 'modern' lineages 2, 3 and 4. The restricted distribution of L7, mainly confined to the Ethiopian population, may be explained by lineage-specific mutations in biosynthesis pathways of cell wall lipids, including deficiency of methoxy-mycolic acids. The loss of these mycolic acid moieties alters the cell structure, colony morphology, and biofilm formation, potentially impacting the host-pathogen interaction and contributing to the limited geographical spread of L7.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jeewan Thapa, Joseph Yamweka Chizimu, Soyoka Kitamura, Mwangala Lonah Akapelwa, Pondpan Suwanthada, Nami Miura, Jirachaya Toyting, Tomoyasu Nishimura, Naoki Hasegawa, Yukiko Nishiuchi, Stephen V. Gordon, Chie Nakajima, Yasuhiko Suzuki
Summary: This study found that amino acid substitutions in the gyrA of M. avium contribute to fluoroquinolone resistance, shedding light on the role of these substitutions in the development of resistance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Morgane Mitermite, Jose Maria Urtasun Elizari, Ruoyao Ma, Damien Farrell, Stephen V. Gordon
Summary: This article is a summary of a plenary lecture on Mycobacterium bovis, the bovine TB bacillus, presented at the M. bovis 2022 meeting. It focuses on the genetic differences between M. bovis and the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and explores the reasons behind M. bovis' function as an animal pathogen. The article also discusses the importance of translating knowledge on M. bovis' virulence into the control of bovine tuberculosis.
IRISH VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emma N. Taylor, Manfred Beckmann, Bryan K. Markey, Stephen Gordon, Glyn Hewinson, David Rooke, Luis A. J. Mur
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the metabolomic changes in MAP-challenged Holstein-Friesian cattle and correlate identified metabolites with hematological and immunological parameters. The results suggest shifts in amino acid metabolism and potential activation of the immune system in MAP-infected cattle. These metabolites could potentially serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and managing MAP-infected cattle.
