The highest levels of IgG antibodies to M. bovis hsp65 and its P180-188 epitope were observed in oligoarthritis and in patients with no rtg changes and functional limitation, while the lowest antibody levels were detected in patients with the most severe stage of articular damage which may be caused by a diminished and/or down regulated reactivity of immune cells and antibodies in prolonged or end-stage arthritis. The gene discussed is HSPD1; the disease is Arthritis.