Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Virulence: A Review
Judah Ssekitoleko, Lonzy Ojok, Ahmed Abd El Wahed, Joseph Erume, Ahmad Amanzada, ElSagad Eltayeb, Kamal H. Eltom, Julius Boniface Okuni
Abstract
(MAP) infections in animals as well as in humans, and develop effective prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of MAP pathogenesis. In the present review, we discuss the mechanisms utilised by MAP to overcome the host defense system to achieve the virulence status. Putative MAP virulence genes are mentioned and their probable roles in view of other mycobacteria are discussed. This review provides information on MAP strain diversity, putative MAP virulence factors and highlights the knowledge gaps regarding MAP virulence mechanisms that may be important in control and prevention of paratuberculosis.