Bovine Bacteria May be Linked to Crohn's Disease in Humans
The
bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP)
causes a Crohn's-like gastrointestinal disease in cattle. Now, according
to a recent report, MAP: Incidental Pathogen or Public Health Threat?,
from the AmericanAcademy of Microbiology (AAM),
it is considered a prime suspect for causing Crohn’s disease in humans.
Carol Nacy of
Sequella, Inc., in Rockville, Md., points out that
MAP can be detected in the tissues of seven of eight patients suffering from
Crohn’s. The report also
summarizes studies that have explored links between MAP and human disease,
offering specific recommendations for research.This report indicates that the bacteria from diseased livestock may pass to humans through
contaminated meat and dairy products.MAP is thought to be only one possible component of Crohn’s; other
components may be genetic or immunological factors and other infectious agents.