Once detected, elimination of the organism in a herd is problematical and may take several years. Although infection occurs via the fecal-oral route, little is known about the ability of this organism to survive in the environment and its resistance to control efforts. Mycobacteria aggregate and form clumps, which may influence their ability to survive environmental stresses. It is now recognized that many types of bacteria aggregate on surfaces to form biofilms in the environment. Attached bacterial communities appear to better survive deficient growth conditions, temperature fluctuations and chemical treatment.
Recent evidence shows that other species of mycobacteria form biofilms.
M. paratuberculosis within biofilms could serve as a potential reservoir of Johne s disease and facilitate persistence even after eradication efforts have been implemented. By investigating the biofilm forming capacity of M. paratuberculosis , we will examine a possibly novel mode of this pathogen s survival. Technical Abstract Three million people die each year from tuberculosis with the existing anti-tuberculous antibiotics and the BCG vaccine. Clearly, a better vaccine and better ways to treat TB are needed. Dr. Hall-Stoodley has demonstrated that other mycobacterial species attach to surfaces.