Abstract
BACKGROUND
Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis is the causative agent of Johen's disease. This infection of the small intestine is a global problem in the livestock industry. Bacterial shedding by infected but subclinical animals, and transmission via the fecal or intrauterine route and through colostrum and/or milk, make containment and eradication of this disease highly problematic. Current vaccine strategies are ineffective and no effective therapy is available.
OBJECTIVE
Within the broader scope of therapeutic uses of recombinant heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70), the present article evaluates the claim of patent WO08040691.
CONCLUSION
The patent under comment here covers the ability of recombinant Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculsis (MAP) HSP70, when administered in conjunction with an adjuvant, to result in a significant reduction in bacterial shedding in cattle infected with MAP. Furthermore, its administration does not mask diagnostic assays, allowing clinical diagnosis to be maintained.
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