There are at least two ways that bacteria may play a role in inflammatory bowel disease. The top of the Hit Parade at present is the gut microbiome. Researchers, by using complex new technologies, can take a virtual snapshot of the bacterial DNA in the gut of the IBD patient (and in the normal patient, of course). Successful snapshots end up as publications if they demonstrate a difference in the gut microbiome between these two groups. If the IBD patient shows an abundance of a particular organism when it is not apparent in the control group, then this may indicate the presence of an organism capable of triggering an inflammatory reaction in the gut of the patient.
John Aitken | The Microbiome Part I: Islands
New Zealand is a collection of three islands. Life on an island is sustained by a complex infrastructure. Interdependence is the glue that results in sustainability. Sustainability, in turn, is ensured if the needs of both the population and the environment are addressed and met. The goal is harmony. Socially, islands resemble huge organisms; isolated yet functioning in a collective synchronicity with each of their parts. The organic model is not new – a group of organisms working together to the benefit of society. Ants build anthills, bees build beehives, people build complex societies.
Welcome to the Human Paratuberculosis Foundation
The Crohn’s Infection is proud to announce the formation of our new non-profit organization: Human Paratuberculosis Foundation. Human Paratuberculosis Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 under the laws of the State of New York. We are an approved IRS 503(c)(1) charity. In addition, we are happy to let our community know about the 2017 MAP Conference to be held in Philadelphia on March 24-25th. Keep reading for more details and an opportunity to help!
The MAP Gap Newsletter | October 2016
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 Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and the treatment of Crohn’s and other diseases using AMAT therapy. Enjoy!
John Aitken | Crohn’s Disease and Other Autoimmune Diseases: Are they Zoonotic in Origin?
by John Aitken and Kevin Taylor
The following abstract accompanied an oral presentation at a New Zealand veterinary conference in 2014, and it was a fair summary of our thinking at the time. Most of the problems outlined in the article have since been addressed by us. In addition, the contributing group has expanded considerably.
Dr. William Chamberlin | FDA Warning for Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
by Dr. William Chamberlin
On July 26, 2016, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding the use of antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class. These include levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ciprofloxacin extended-release tablets, moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin and gemifloxacin (Factive).
Two of these drugs (levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) are sometimes prescribed to treat Crohn’s disease via a pathogen model (AMAT). However, the risks associated with the fluoroquinolone class of medications are serious. Because of this, I will no longer recommend the use of levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, except in extreme cases where the benefits may outweigh the serious risks.
Dr. Michael Collins | 2016 World Buiatrics Congress Keynote Address
Veterinary medicine and animal agriculture had our chance to deal with paratuberculosis before it became an epidemic. Today, 121 years since Heinrich Albert Johne described paratuberculosis in a Guernsey cow in Germany, well over half of all dairy herds in virtually all major dairy-producing countries are infected with M. paratuberculosis. It is almost certain that humans are becoming infected and that the most probable means of infection is via the food supply.
Read more about the facts, predictions and what can be done to control M. paratuberculosis in Dr. Michael T. Collins’ 2016 World Buiatrics Congress Keynote Address.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | July 2016
The Crohns Infection 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.
Here are some of the most recent developments in the area of MAP related Crohn’s Research. Enjoy!
The Dietzia Foundation
The Crohn’s Infection is pleased to announce the newly created Dietzia Foundation! From their website, “Dietzia Foundation is a publicly supported nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting scientific medical research in the field of gastroenterology. Specifically, we support those trying to develop preventative or therapeutic treatments for gastrointestinal dysbiosis associated diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and others.”
The Crohn’s Infection Turns One!
It doesn’t seem possible, but on June 21, 2016, The Crohn’s Infection site will officially be one year old. Join us as we highlight some of the key site features and enter our first site contest. Thanks for coming to the party!