The pathogenicity of Mycobacterium avium and related mycobacteria for experimental animals

Abstract
SUMMARY. The pathogenicity of 40 strains of Mycobacterium avium, M. paratuberculosis, M. intracellulare and M. lepraemurium was investigated in chickens, rabbits, guinea-pigs, mice and calves. Myco-bactin dependence and serological type were also determined. There was no evidence that mycobactin dependence was related to pathogenicity. Antigenic similarities were demonstrated between M. avium and M. paratuberculosis, and one isolate had the pathogenic characteristics of both species.