Use of proteomics in the study of microbial diseases of small ruminants

Objective of the paper is to review potential applications of proteomics methodologies in the study of microbial diseases of small ruminants. Proteomics has been employed for the elucidation of pathogenesis of various diseases, i.e., in the study of determinants of microbial agents and the study of host-pathogen interactions, as well as in improved disease diagnosis by the identification of biomarkers. Extensive uses of proteomics in sheep and goat diseases have been applied primarily in mastitis, in reproductive infections, in paratuberculosis, in respiratory infections and in scrapie. Mining deeper into the various proteomes and application of new methodological strategies in clinical studies will provide information about disease processes. Improvement of diagnostic techniques, development of vaccines against diseases and establishment of tools for optimum animal production are key-areas for targeted research.