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Similar to the inltration patterns seen in the intestinal submucosa, 
mesenterial lymph nodes also exhibit lymphoplasmacytic and 
macrophage inltrations. However, the inammation’s intensity in 
the lymph nodes has been described variably across studies, with 
some reporting severe manifestations and others indicating milder 
presentations [18, 23]. In the present investigation, the observed 
patterns aligned with those from prior research. Additionally, it was 
ascertained that the multibacillary form was present in almost all 
studied animals, with lesions in the lymph nodes appearing less severe.
Cellular damage underpins the majority of diseases, and there’s a 
prevailing theory that pathogens may directly or indirectly inict DNA 
damage, especially in the case of infections [24, 25]. While various 
studies have delved into the pathogenesis of MAP infection, the 
complete understanding of its pathogenesis remains elusive. In an 
attempt to elucidate this, past research on MAP infections in cattle, 
sheep, goats, and camels primarily focused on proinammatory 
cytokines, acute phase proteins, and oxidative stress parameters 
[23, 26, 27]. Yet, there seems to be a gap in the literature regarding 
DNA damage assessment in MAP infection.
In the present study, showcased the expression of γ–H2AX, a 
biomarker indicative of double–stranded DNA breaks, in the case 
of MAP infection. There is limited research utilizing γ–H2AX as a 
biomarker in animals. For instance, Nakamura et al. [28] applied this 
biomarker to identify DNA breaks in bovine lymphocytes post the 
Fukushima disaster. Toyoda et al. [29] highlighted the DNA damage 
in genotoxic urinary bladder cancers using γ–H2AX expression. Both 
Fradet–Turcotte et al. [30] and Sakakibara et al. [31] postulated 
that papilloma viruses induce DNA damage as evidenced by γ–
H2AX expression. Drawing parallels with previous studies, in the 
this research underscores that MAP indeed induces DNA breaks in 
affected tissues, as evidenced by γ–H2AX expression.
Infection–induced tissue  damage  triggers  inflammation, 
subsequently activating phagocytic cells. This activation gives rise to 
the production of free radicals. These reactive oxygen species amplify 
the extent of tissue damage. In the case of MAP infection, oxidative 
stress markers such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde 
(MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Nitric Oxide (NO), and Thiobarbituric Acid 
Reactive Substances (TBARS) have been examined across various 
animal species [23, 27, 32]. Yet, research pinpointing DNA oxidation 
in MAP infection remains absent. The modern biomarker, 8–Ohdg, has 
been employed to elucidate DNA oxidation in certain animal species 
and varied diseases. For example, Karakurt et al. highlighted DNA 
damage in ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma using 8–Ohdg [33]. 
In a separate study, Karakurt underscored DNA oxidation in bovine 
papilloma and bropapilloma via 8–Ohdg expression [34]. In the made 
study, the occurrence of DNA oxidation in the case of MAP infection 
was depicted through 8–Ohdg expression.
CONCLUSION
To effectively combat any disease and establish an impactful 
treatment regimen, a thorough understanding of its pathogenesis 
is imperative. Given the signicance of MAP infection, perceived as 
a global threat affecting both animal and human health and resulting 
in economic loss, this study illuminates that the causative agent 
induces DNA breaks and oxidation in infected tissues. In made been 
this research has pioneered the elucidation of the DNA damage 
mechanism in MAP infection, marking a signicant contribution to 
the global scientic community. In addition, this is the rst study 
reported in the world to show the expression of γ–H2AX, a current 
DNA damage marker, and 8–Ohdg, an important DNA oxidation 
biomarker, in natural infection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies 
paratuberculosis in goats.
Conict of interests
No conicts of interest for all authors are declared.
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