Microbiology Commons^™

Characterization Of Biofilms Formed By Mycobacterium Aviumn Subspecies Paratuberculosis In Psychologically Relevant Conditions, Richard Brunner

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Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Mpt) is the cause of Johne's disease, a gastrointestinal disease that mainly affects ruminants. Despite being an obligate intracellular pathogen, Mpt can survive in the environment for months. How Mpt survives in the environment has yet to be determined, but one tactic Mpt may use is the formation of biofilms. Biofilms may provide sufficient protection and allow Mpt endure in the environment until a new host is encountered. The conditions affecting Mpt biofilm formation have not been investigated. Both in the host and in the environment, Mpt experiences physiological stresses that may induce biofilm formation including …