In the plant world, endophytes exist within plants to perform essential functions in the plant – stimulation of plant immunity, competitive inhibition (making sure there is no room left for an invader) and production of chemicals capable of killing other bacteria (antibiotics). This is a process called “symbiosis.” Symbiosis occurs when two organisms co-exist and one, or both, organisms benefit from the relationship. In plants, endophytes have evolved to be part of the growth mechanisms of the plant. They are found in the roots and in the leaves.
What has this to do with Crohn’s disease?
A governing principle within the doctrines of international law on food safety is reflected in the words “The importance of the precautionary measures should not be played down on the grounds that the risk is not proven.” The collateral damage from not adhering to the precautionary principle is partially reflected in the numbers. In 1998, the number of Crohn’s disease afflicted individuals numbered 358,000. In 2006, this number was 560,000. In 2010, it was an estimated 800,000. In 2015, crude estimates place the figure above a million.
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Many of you may have seen the viral Facebook post by Ste Walker, a young man who detailed his battle with Crohn’s disease and the public perception of this illness. Rather than give up, Ste has courageously started a new campaign to bring awareness to the plight of Crohn’s disease patients around the world. Read on to learn more about Ste’s fight against Crohn’s and his #SickButInvisible Campaign.
Dr. Tony Milici, GeneThera founder and CEO, announced his company’s expansion into the Crohn’s disease research field in a press release on January 25, 2016. GeneThera is dedicated to improving food safety by applying the latest molecular technologies to eradicate zoonotic diseases (those which cross from animals to the human population) such as Johne’s disease. Since it has long been thought that Johne’s disease, which is caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium avium spp paratuberculosis (MAP), has a zoonotic link to Crohn’s disease, GeneThera’s research could provide critically needed solutions.
Welcome to the first edition of The MAP Gap newsletter! The months since the August Chicago Symposium have flown by in a flurry of activity. We are happy to announce that TheCrohnsInfection.org will continue as a permanent site, not only to house the videos from the Chicago Symposium, but also to provide new information about the role of mycobacteria in Crohn’s disease. 