Load of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Commercial Milk and Milk Products Supplied in Braj Region using Different Diagnostic Methods

Background: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a specific disease causing agent of Crohn’s disease (CD) and Johne’s disease (JD) both in humans and animals respectively. Preliminary studies reveal high bio-incidence of MAP in domestic available unpasteurized milk as well as in commercially available pasteurized milk products. Methods: A total of 46 samples of milk and milk products (butter, milk powder, icecream, flavored lassi, dahi/flavored dahi) were collected from local markets of Mathura, Vrindavan and from canteen in GLA University, Mathura campus. These samples were screened using various diagnostic methods including Ziehl-Neelsen staining (acid fast staining), IS900 PCR, Dot ELISA and Plate ELISA for the presence of MAP. Result: Out of 46 samples tested, 3, 16 and 37 samples showed the positive results for MAP in Polymerase chain reaction, Microscopy and plate ELISA assay tests respectively. Out of 10 samples screened by means of dot ELISA, 2 were positive for MAP infection. The prime objective of this study was to reconfirm the bioincidence of MAP in commercially sold milk and milk products in Brij region and to establish the fact that MAP is not inactivated through pasteurization.