Effects of physiol and chemical factors on the viability of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis

Abstract

Alternative methods of storing bovine fecal specimens for delayed culture of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was studied. Significant (P less than 0.05) losses of viability were sustained by storage at 23 degrees C for 10 days and by treatment with 0.03 Zephiran for 4 and 10 days. Losses were moderate after storage at -70 degrees C for 15 weeks but significant (P greater than 0.05) after storage at 23 degrees C for 4 days. The alternative methods were compared with the standard method of processing specimens upon receipt and after 2 days in transit. Fecal specimens from 18 cattle were cultured.