Changes

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 for incubation.  

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 for incubation.  

The most commonly used diagnostic test is the [[ELISA testins|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 bacterial culture, PCR and agar gel immunodiffusion. Test sensitivity may be increased by using different tests in combination.

The most commonly used diagnostic test is the [[ELISA testing|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 bacterial culture, PCR and agar gel immunodiffusion. Test sensitivity may be increased by using different tests in combination.

Diagnosis in sheep may also be complicated due to the disease occurring in two different types in these animals. Multibacillary disease is associated with large numbers of bacteria in the gut and a high antibody response. Paucibacillary disease is characterised by few or no bacteria within the alimentary tract and is associated with a low antibody response. Due to the different type of immune response occurring with each type of disease, there is no single test available to detect the presence of disease. Definitive diagnosis is provided following post mortem exam, histopathology and culture in order to determine the type of disease present.

Diagnosis in sheep may also be complicated due to the disease occurring in two different types in these animals. Multibacillary disease is associated with large numbers of bacteria in the gut and a high antibody response. Paucibacillary disease is characterised by few or no bacteria within the alimentary tract and is associated with a low antibody response. Due to the different type of immune response occurring with each type of disease, there is no single test available to detect the presence of disease. Definitive diagnosis is provided following post mortem exam, histopathology and culture in order to determine the type of disease present.