This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a novel diagnostic test to detect Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP is the causative agent of Johnes disease in cattle and, possibly, of human Crohns disease. A novel approach of early and direct MAP detection is proposed, targeting primarily thevsample matrix blood employing a novel detection system using the near-infrared spectrum to achieve superior sensitivity of testing. This would facilitate testing of cattle and also milk intended for human consumption, the potential transmission vehicle in Crohns disease. The hypothesis is that during the early pathogenesis of Johnes disease of cattle, there is a bacteremia that will allow detection of the causative agent in the blood. If proven true, it is expected that this approach will lead to a new test that may be used widely in the context of state or national animal health or human food safety programs
