Comparative analysis of three sensitins used in cutaneous testing for tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in cattle

Correspondence between components of sensitins (avian, bovine, and johnin-PPD tuberculins) and the proteins of the corresponding microorganisms (Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis) was established. Most of these identified proteins are present in the three organisms, but the 38.3- and 48.8-kDa proteins of M. avium and the 54.0- and 58.7-kDa proteins of M. bovis are endowed with species-specific epitope(s).