Some diagnostic features of the pathogenesis of bovine paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) and serum biochemical changes after oral reinfection

Ten bull-calves were infected with 10(8) viable cells of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis per os. During the 400-day period of observation faecal and blood samples were taken from animals at 30-day intervals. Faecal samples were examined microscopically, blood samples by the CFT, AGID and LST tests. Intradermal allergic tests were carried out at PI (post infection) days 92, 217, 336, using mammalian, avian and johnin PPD. In the period of study, these efficiency indices showed fluctuations characteristic of the given tests. In the period between PI day 160 and 400 fifteen biochemical parameters were measured monthly, TRP, ALP, TRIG and CHOL were reduced by day 400, pointing to disorders of digestion and absorption. Increased activities of CK, ALD, LDH, alpha-HBDH and ALT indicated skeletal muscle and/or liver damage in the first place. Serum CK, ALD activities and TRIG and TRP concentrations may serve as useful complementary values to the specific diagnosis of paratuberculosis, particularly in the advanced stage of the disease.