An analysis of bovine serum via microRNA-sequencing and an investigation into its potential in identifying biomarkers for early Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection. An analysis of bovine serum via microRNA-sequencing and an investigation into its potential in identifying biomarkers for early Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is capable of causing a chronic enteritis known as Johne’s disease (JD) in ruminants, resulting in substantial economic loses. Sensitive and specific novel prognostic assays are required to help limit infection, and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential to serve as biomarkers. Sequencing provides a thorough opportunity to characterise miRNAs but this technology is challenged by the low RNA concentrations in biofluids. The aim of this study was to determine whether small RNA-sequencing technology could be applied to bovine serum samples from an experimental JD infection model.