14 Jan 2019
The MAP Gap Newsletter | January 2019
Human Paratuberculosis Foundation is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date information in our field to assist patients around the world in making informed decisions about their treatment. We are grateful for the support of this community and look forward to taking this journey together. Read all the latest news and research about mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), and the treatment of Crohn’s and immune disease with AMAT and other innovative therapies. Enjoy!
In this presentation, Dr. Gaber Abdellrazek, a postdoctoral fellow who is currently researching the pathogenic mechanism of MAP with Dr. William Davis, explains their lab’s latest findings. They have discovered that the deletion of a single gene cripples Map’s ability to establish a persistent infection. This led to the discovery of a peptide with potential for development as a vaccine. Studies with the peptide in tissue culture show vaccination leads to development of immune cells that can kill Map inside macrophages, an essential requirement for a vaccine against intracellular pathogens. While this is being investigated in cattle, it could have implications for human health as well. 
In this joint presentation, Prof. Borody and Dr. Martin present a case of severe fistulizing Crohn’s disease which was healed with a combination of antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgery. Powerpoint slides follow the video.