Abstract:
A total of 788 serum samples from dairy cattle
in Umbria, Italy, were tested for the presence
of antibodies to Mycobacterium avium
subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) using a
commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) kit. The sampled animals came
from 19 herds representative of the central
area of the Umbria county (Perugia and Assisi
districts). Using the manufacturer suggested
cut-off for a positive test, 44 animals (5.6%)
were positive. Using the sensitivity and specificity
claimed by the manufacturer of the ELISA
kit, the true prevalence in Umbria dairy cattle
overall was calculated as 9.7% (99% CI, 7.0%,
12.4%).
