Vaginal secretions and
serum from 29 post-parturient farm goats were screened by culture,
IS900 PCR and indigenous ELISA kit to know the presence of MAP in
reproductive tract discharges after parturition. Decontaminated
pellets from vaginal secretions and MAP cultures were processed for
DNA isolation and screened by IS900 PCR. Positive DNA samples on
amplification yielded specific 229 bp band from pellets of vaginal
secretions (VS). Of 10 DNA obtained from 29 pellets, 4 were
amplified. Soluble protoplasmic (PPA) antigen from MAP 'Bison
type' strain cultured from terminal case of JD in goat was
used in ELISA kit. The 37.9%, vaginal secretions each were positive
in culture and ELISA from 29 goats of farm herds. Of the 3 tests
culture was most sensitive. There was poor correlation (37.5%)
between culture of VS and ELISA kit (18.1% in strong positives and
ELISA and very good correlation between positives (80.0%), low
positive and suspected (50.0%) and culture. These results clearly
established the immuno-suppression in pregnant goats and damage to
immune system by Johne's disease. The study is maiden attempt
and reports high presence and recovery of MAP in vaginal secretions
of post parturient farm goats in India by culture and ELISA kit.
Positive IS900 PCR in DNA pellets confirmed the presence of MAP.
Vaginal secretion was potential source of contamination to newborn
kids and animal handlers and was a good clinical material to screen
post-parturient female goats against MAP infection