Genome-wide Analysis of the Emerging Infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in the Arabian Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Paratuberculosis is an epizootic disease that is disseminated worldwide with a significant economic impact on dairy and beef industries. This infection is caused by different strains of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. ap). In general, the Type I strain is found in sheep while Type II strain has a broad host range. In order to better understand this emerging disease in camels of the Arabian Peninsula, we have identified the causative pathogen as M. ap Type I strain. Our gene based assay suggests a possible transmission of this pathogen from infected sheep herds. Comparative genome analysis indicates a significant variation in SNPs in camel isolate when compared to sheep or cattle strains that may underlie the adaptation of this pathogen to camels.