Diagnosis is difficult, particularly in the case of subclinical disease as there is no single test that will detect all stages of the disease. Bacterial culture is the most definitive test but is time-consuming, requiring up to twelve weeks. The most commonly used diagnostic test is the ELISA which detects antibodies to ''M. paratuberculosis'' in clinically affected animals. This is typically used in combination with post mortem and identification of the classic pathological lesions of the disease. Other commercially available tests include baceterial culture, PCR and agar gel immunodiffusion. Test sensitivity may be increased by using different tests in combination. | Diagnosis is difficult, particularly in the case of subclinical disease as there is no single test that will detect all stages of the disease. Bacterial culture is the most definitive test but is time-consuming, requiring up to twelve weeks. The most commonly used diagnostic test is the ELISA which detects antibodies to ''M. paratuberculosis'' in clinically affected animals. This is typically used in combination with post mortem and identification of the classic pathological lesions of the disease. Other commercially available tests include baceterial culture, PCR and agar gel immunodiffusion. Test sensitivity may be increased by using different tests in combination. |