Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis causes Crohn's disease in some inflammatory bowel disease patients.pdf

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis causes Crohn's disease (CD) in some inflammatory bowel disease patients

Saleh A Naser, Sudesh R Sagramsingh, Abed S Naser, Saisathya Thanigachalam

Several theories have been proposed over the years while trying to understand this terrible disease. One theory in particular is that Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is intimately linked to the etiology of CD. This bacterium also known to cause Johne’s disease in cattle has infected the intestines of animals for years. It is believed that due to the thick, waxy cell wall of MAP it is able to survive the process of pasteurization as well as chemical processes seen in irrigation purification systems.
Subsequently meat, dairy products and water serve as key vehicles in the transmission of MAP infection to humans (from farm to fork) who have a genetic predisposition, thus leading to the development of CD.