Paratuberculosis in Camel (Camelus dromedarius): The Diagnostic Efficiency of ELISA and PCR

Abstract

Abstract:The camel paratuberculosis in Saudi Arabia was widely documented. ELISA and PCR were employed to exploit their feasibility for control of the MAP infection in Saudi Arabia. Ruminant ELISA test was used for the screening of 861 serum samples that were collected from three different age groups, 1-4 years (young age), 5-9 years (middle age) and 10-15 years (old age). Only 29 samples were revealed as ELISA positive in which 14 samples were from the young age group. PCR analysis was carried out mainly on the fecal samples that were collected from young age group and all the ELISA positive samples of other groups. PCR detected only 97 positive samples out of 310 tested samples. PCR detected more positive samples in the young age group than ELISA (29% of 276 young age samples). The ELISA proved effective as a screening tool for MAP infection in camel; however its sensitivity in the young group is skeptical. PCR on the other hand, is effective only as supportive test to the ELISA due to the great variations in the pattern of MAP shedding. Hence, ELISA and PCR were shown feasible for control of the MAP infection, but ELISA was not prudent in the early detection of the infection. Attempt to isolate the camel MAP for its genotyping was not successful despite the incubation for more than 10 weeks.

Investigation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Arabian dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

“…In the current study, ELISA yielded 9 of 30 samples, which might be an indicator for the unsuitability of this test to detect truly infected camels when compared to cattle. It was reported previously that ELISA assay has a diagnostic sensitivity lower than that of fecal culture, especially in subclinically infected cases [4].…”

“…The PCR and ELISA were connected in the determination of the infection with paratuberculosis in dromedary camel [4,34]. ELISA kits that are commercially available for the identification the bovine anti-MAP antibodies were perceived reason for distinguishing the seroconverted dromedary camels [15].…”

“…ELISA kits that are commercially available for the identification the bovine anti-MAP antibodies were perceived reason for distinguishing the seroconverted dromedary camels [15]. In any case, ELISA was insensitive in distinguishing the anti-MAP antibodies in dromedary camels with young age [4,34]. In perspective of the varieties in the shedding designs, PCR was not realized as a proficient means in recognizing the diseased dromedary camels [4]; nevertheless, it was seen a judicious technique in identifying the irresistible ones [35].…”

Paratuberculosis Infection in Camel (<i>Camelus dromidarius</i>): Current and Prospective Overview

“…The commercial ELISA kits for the detection the bovine anti-MAP antibodies was seen prudent for detecting the seroconverted camel. However, ELISA was expressed lack of sensitivity in detecting the anti-MAP antibodies in young camels [6] [7]. In view of the variations in the shedding patterns, PCR was not seen efficient tool in detecting the infected camels [7], however it was seen a prudent method in detecting the infectious ones [24] [41].…”

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Camels; Clinical Aspects and Control Suggestions

“…Also its exact impact on camel industry is not well known. This increase in clinical cases number was hindered by efficient diagnostic tests, although PCR -ELISA tests were attempted (Al hebabi and Alluwaimi, 2010, Alharbi, et al, 2012.…”