The MAP Gap | October 2020

Human Paratuberculosis Foundation is dedicated to providing the latest research and information about the role of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in chronic immune conditions such as Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, sarcoidosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and more. Our goal is to assist researchers, health care professionals and patients around the world. We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to taking this journey together. Enjoy the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter!

Phages: A New Frontier in the Fight Against MAP

Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses that target specific bacteria, and are among the most numerous bio-entities on earth. They have recently reemerged as an alternative to antibiotic therapy in resistant disease. While phage experts have historically agreed that phages cannot be used to target intracellular bacteria like MAP, a new biotechnology company has been formed to do just that. MAP/PATH, LLC’s mission is to control and eliminate diseased caused by Mycobacterium avium spp paratuberculosis, or MAP. See what they have discovered and learn about their innovative solutions to the problem of MAP contamination in food products.

Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis Can Infect Human Dendritic Cells

Dr. Horacio Bach and his research team have published a new paper where they report the infection of human dendritic cells by Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP).

Dendritic cells are found in the immune system and act as messengers between the innate and adaptive immune systems. They capture antigens from foreign invaders and present them to the T cells, which initiate the immune response. They also work with B cells to maintain immune memory.

As dendritic cells are migratory, these findings may represent a way to explain the dissemination of MAP in the body and the pathogenesis of other chronic diseases associated with MAP.

Crohn’s Patients Share Stories of Struggle, Healing and MAP

No, life ain’t always beautiful Tears will fall sometimes Life ain’t always beautiful But it’s a beautiful ride.

What’s it like to walk a mile in a Crohn’s patient’s shoes? These compelling interviews provide a window into the battles patients and parents face on the road to healing; including Anti-MAP, surgery and hope for a cure. Thank you to the brave men and women who chose to share these stories with Human Para.

Podcast: Does MAP Cause Crohn’s Disease?

Listen to this new podcast about MAP and Crohn’s disease by Dr. Samir Kakodkar of Against the Grain. Guests are Dr. Gaurav Agrawal of the Centre for Digestive Diseases and John Aitken of Otakaro Pathways. Topics include how MAP causes disease in humans, sources of exposure to MAP, treatment alternatives, the  2018 ACG Guidelines on Crohn’s disease and lots more!