Project Number: 3625-32000-062-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Nov 07, 2001
End Date: Nov 06, 2006

Objective:
Sequence the complete M. paratuberculosis (M. ptb) genome. Use functional genomic approaches to identify and characterize unique bacterial genes and proteins that can be used to develop highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests and vaccines for use in cattle and sheep. Characterize host immune responses during the different stages of disease. Determine shedding of M. ptb in milk of naturally infected cows and evaluate survival of M. ptb in milk after heat treatment. Identify immunogens of M. ptb by random and directed expression library immunization.

Approach:
Unique genes identified by sequencing the genome of M. paratuberculosis will be evaluated as reagents and vaccine candidates. Studies will be conducted to evaluate therapies to alleviate periparturient immunosuppression in cows with Johne's Disease. Temporal evaluation of current diagnostic tools in an infected herd will be performed for 3 years. Milk from naturally infected cows will be cultured to determine time of shedding. Heat treatment studies will be conducted with a laboratory scale pasteurizer and a slug-flow pasteurizer to evaluate current pasteurization standards for milk, cheese and ice cream. Unique genes identified by sequencing the genome of M. paratuberculosis will be evaluated as reagents and vaccine candidates. Studies will be conducted to evaluate therapies to alleviate periparturient immunosuppression in cows with Johne's Disease. Temporal evaluation of current diagnostic tools in an infected herd will be performed for 3 years. Milk from naturally infected cows will be cultured to determine time of shedding. Heat treatment studies will be conducted with a laboratory scale pasteurizer and a slug-flow pasteurizer to evaluate current pasteurization standards for milk, cheese and ice cream. BSL-2; Approved 10/15/2003 (IBC-#0092) BSL-Exempt 10/15/2003(IBC-#0117, #0238).

Project Team

Stabel, Judith Robbe-Austerman, Suelee Peterson-Burch, Brooke Paustian, Michael Whipple, Diana Bannantine, John

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Animal Health (103)

Related Projects

Cellular Activation in Different Stages of Infection with Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis in Cattle    Functional Genomic Analysis of Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis    Functional Genomic Analysis of Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis (Univ. of Mn)    Functional Genomic Analysis of Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis (Univ. of Ne)