Detection of anti-Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis antibodies in thyroid and type-1 diabetes patients

Abstract

<em>Mycobacterium avium</em> subspecies <em>paratuberculosis</em> (MAP) causes granulomatous intestinal disease in animals (Johne’s diseases). MAP has also been associated with several autoimmune disorders. In this study, we screened serum samples from confirmed patients of thyroid and type 1 diabetes for the presence of antibody against MAP. We used newly developed 'cocktail ELISA' (based on recombinant secretary proteins) and extensively validated 'indigenous ELISA' (based on whole cell protoplasmic antigen) and both the tests were also compared for their diagnostic potential. A total of 90 serums samples were included of which anti-MAP antibodies was detected in 28.8% and 26.6% of samples by indigenous ELISA (iELISA) and cocktail ELISA (cELISA), respectively. There was almost perfect agreement between the two tests in detecting the anti-MAP antibodies. Study raises concern on high detection of anti-MAP antibodies in human, thus warranting necessary control measure to minimize MAP exposure in human beings.