[Several strains of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis: biochemical characteristics and allergic activity].

Judged from its biochemical properties and antigenic structure, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis is related to M. avium. When M. paratuberculosis was compared to B.C.G., several essential differences, were found that allowed their clear separation, within Runyon's Group III, M. paratuberculosis is differentiated by its biochemical properties as shown in the following table : (formula: see text). The allergic response of a guinea pig infected with M. paratuberculosis was stronger when an avium sensitine was used that when a bovine tuberculine was used.