Project Number: 3625-32000-093-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Nov 07, 2006
End Date: Nov 06, 2011

Objective:
Objective 1: Systematically identify and characterize novel and specific antigens from the M. paratuberculosis genome sequence project. Objective 2: Determine the genetic variability among M. paratuberculosis isolates and examine the transcriptional profile of the M. paratuberculosis genome. Objective 3: Develop and evaluate methods to evaluate the host immune responses to M. paratuberculosis in early and late infection to distinguish elements of protective immunity. Objective 4: Evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of cell-mediated diagnostic tests in sheep and cattle for early detection of M. paratuberculosis infection.

Approach:
Within Objective 1 unique antigens of M. paratuberculosis will be evaluated as immunogens with particular emphasis on their utility as diagnostic reagents or vaccine candidates. Objective 2 will compare and contrast the genetic content of various strains of M. paratuberculosis, both within and between species of animals to provide information on the characteristics of infectivity and pathogenicity for different strains. The host immune response to M. paratuberculosis infection will be evaluated in Objective 3 in both experimentally and naturally infected animals to gain an understanding of how the disease progresses from a subclinical to a more clinical state. Objective 4 will examine the efficacy of skin testing and a blood assay for the early detection of disease in naturally infected and noninfected cattle and sheep. BSL-2; Recertified October 15, 2007 (IBC-0092). BSL-Exempt; Recertified October 15, 2007 (IBC-0238). BSL-Exempt; Recertified August 3, 2007 (IBC-0261). BSL-2/BSL-3; Recertified June 21, 2008 (IBC-0280). BSL-2; Recertified February 5, 2008. IBC #0289. BSL-2; Certified April 6, 2008. IBC #0292. BSL-2; Certified April 6, 2008. IBC #0293.