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Three MAP Publications on Research Sponsored by Human Para
Thanks to the commitment of MAP researchers around the world and the generosity of the Human Para community to sponsor MAP research, there are three recent publications of interest.
In Memoriam: Dr. Robert Click and the Discovery of Dietzia
Dr. Click passed away on December 7, 2023. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the monumental contribution he made to advancing MAP science and hope that his tireless work with Dietzia may soon be celebrated by those afflicted by MAP-associated human disease.
MAP at the 2023 UEG
HPF is proud to share the latest MAP research showcased by Dr. William Chamberlin at the 2023 UEG conference.
The MAP Gap | Fall 2021
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!
In Memoriam ~ Prof. John Hermon-Taylor
In Maori the saying ‘Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne” roughly translates to “In the forest of Tāne a great Totara has fallen.” A Totara is a tree which was of great value. The proverb is used when a person of influence and mana passes on. It most certainly applies to Prof. John Hermon-Taylor.
Mycobacteria Found in 100% of Tissue Samples from Crohn’s Disease Patients
A recent article published in Pathology showed that 18/18 intestinal resection samples from Crohn’s disease patients contained mycobacteria. In contrast, none of the 15 samples from control subjects were positive.
The MAP Gap | April 2021
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!
MAP Pioneer Patrick McLean ~ In Loving Memory
This week the world lost a friend, colleague and advocate for IBD patients. For decades, Patrick McLean dedicated his talents to advancing research into anti-mycobacterial treatment solutions for chronic immune diseases such as Crohn’s and multiple sclerosis. He had great compassion for patients, and exemplified the best of humanity. Our community was blessed to have known him, and he leaves a legacy that will ripple throughout time.
Research Update: Pediatric Crohn’s MAP Testing Pilot Study Results
Human Para’s second research, which sought to detect MAP in blinded blood samples from Crohn’s and control pediatric subjects, has now concluded. Read on to see the results.
The MAP Gap | January 2021
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!
What is the Susceptibility of MAP Strains to Antibiotic Combinations?
What is the Susceptibility of MAP Strains to Antibiotic Combinations? Human Para, in conjunction with the Keating Family Foundation, is proud to announce their commitment to support a new research partnership between Johns Hopkins Medicine and Otakaro Pathways. Read on to learn more about our latest project!
Research Update: Viable MAP Detected in Crohn’s Disease Patients and Controls
Human Para is excited to share the preprint article detailing the results of our landmark MAP/Crohn’s disease testing study that began in 2018.
Viable MAP was detected in a significant number of study subjects across all groups. A more detailed analysis is available on the HumanPara.org website.
Thank you to all of the participants and their families, the researchers who volunteered their time for this study, and the donors who made funding this critical research a reality.
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.
The MAP Gap | July 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!
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!
Exclusive Interviews with Crohn’s & MAP Researchers
Enjoy these exclusive and compelling interviews from researchers around the world studying Crohn’s disease, mycobacteria and chronic immune disease.
Interviews with Dr. Ira Shafran, Dr. William Chamberlin, Dr. Robert Greenstein and John Aitken included.
April 2020 Update: Coronavirus, Research Updates & a Conference!
Coronavirus, IBD, research updates & more! See what’s going on behind the scenes at Human Para and what we have planned for 2020.
The MAP Gap | April 2020
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!
John Aitken | The Night the World Changed
March 24, 2020 is the 138th anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch’s famous meeting at the Berlin Physiological Society where he presented his findings on tuberculosis to a stunned audience. Researcher John Aitken (Otakaro Pathways, New Zealand) provides fresh insight into this historic event, and why it remains relevant in our fight against Crohn’s and MAP today.
Human Para By The Numbers: 2017-2019
After 3 years as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are proud to report that 93.2% of our spending in 2019 was on innovative human MAP research projects! We continue to have very low overhead expenses due to our amazing volunteer team and the efforts of our researchers. See this 3 year pie chart for more detail on how your donations are put to work.
The MAP Gap | January 2020
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!
HPF Researchers Publish New MAP Findings
November and December have seen an abundance of new MAP publications by research groups affiliated with Human Para. Research by Otakaro Pathways, Dr. Saleh Naser, Dr. Marcel Behr, Dr. Leonardo Sechi, Dr. Horacio Bach and Dr. C. Thomas Dow are showcased in this update.
#GivingTuesday2019
Make a difference for those with Crohn’s and other MAP-related conditions this holiday season! Giving Tuesday 2019 is fast approaching on December 3, 2019.
Human Para is raising funds for new MAP research projects. We have been working diligently with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, McGill University and Otakaro Pathways on a pilot testing study. As always, ALL funds raised on #GivingTuesday will go directly to MAP research. Please help us by supporting high quality MAP research this giving season.
October 2019 UPDATE: MAP/Crohn’s Disease Testing Study
Human Para’s inaugural MAP testing study is nearing completion. A total of 201 participants donated a blood sample at locations in Orlando, Philadelphia and New York City between May and September 2018. Blinded samples were sent to 6 research laboratories around the world, and MAP testing was completed by a variety of methods, including culture, PCR and antibody assays.
Read about our progress, a Phase 2 add on portion of the study currently being conducted, and when these results will be published!
The MAP Gap | October 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!
The MAP Gap Newsletter | July 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!
Clofazimine: Practical Considerations for Patients
Due to the recent success of RedHill Biopharma’s Stage 3 trial of RHB-104, more patients and doctors have become interested in Atypical Mycobacterial Antibiotic Therapy (AMAT) as a treatment option for chronic immune conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis. RHB-104 contains a triple combination of antibiotics that showed significant effectiveness in Crohn’s disease, and includes clarithromycin, Rifabutin and clofazimine. While clarithromycin and Rifabutin are easily available worldwide, clofazimine is not.
Read a first hand account from one man’s journey to legally obtain clofazimine for treatment of Crohn’s disease.
Expert Review: Crohn’s MAP Vaccine May 2019 Research Paper
In this article, Dr. Tim Bull breaks down the recently released journal paper from the Crohn’s MAP Vaccine organization, entitled Safety and Immunogenicity of a Novel Recombinant Simian Adenovirus ChAdOx2 as a Vectored Vaccine. This paper describes the initial safety studies in humans of a vaccine that is designed to stimulate immune recognition of specific components of the MAP bacterium. Dr. Tim Bull is a Reader in Infectious Diseases at St George’s, University of London. He is an internationally recognized expert in mycobacterial diseases and has over 20 years experience in working with culturing mycobacteria. He was instrumental in the initial design and development of the original vaccine and testing the efficacy of a prime-boost version in animals with MAP infection.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | April 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!
John Aitken | The Circle Widens
In his latest article, John Aitken of Otakaro Pathways describes how they have identified bacteriological aspects of Crohn’s patients and some sarcoidosis patients that are not seen in healthy controls. A case study of a patient who recovered from cardiac sarcoidosis using antibiotic treatment is discussed, as is a 2019 trial. Take-aways detailing the activity of cell wall deficient mycobacteria in sarcoidosis included!
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!
#GivingTuesday2018
November 27th marks the 2nd year of Human Para’s #GivingTuesday campaign. 2017 was a huge success, raising $9,254.26 to kick off the Crohn’s/MAP Testing Study.
Human Para’s #GivingTuesday2018 campaign is hoping to raise $5,000 to fund our next MAP research project. After the Berkeley conference and discussion by the Board, we are actively seeking partners for a PEDIATRIC testing study. Details will be released as soon as they are finalized, but be assured: ALL funds raised on #GivingTuesday will go directly to MAP research.
And your funds could be TRIPLED this Tuesday!! Read on to find out how.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | October 2018
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 and other therapies. Enjoy!
Update: Rebuttal to the 2018 ACG Crohn’s Disease Guidelines
In March 2018, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) released the 2018 Guidelines for the treatment of Crohn’s Disease (CD). Their conclusion, based on misinterpreted studies, that antimycobacterial therapy was not effective in inducing remission or mucosal healing in Crohn’s disease patients (page 498) prompted a response by some of the doctors in the Human Para community who have used AMAT with success. Read the letter that was published this week in the latest issue of Nature’s American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Berkeley Conference | Why is the Obvious not Obvious: Johne’s vs. Crohn’s
Should humans with Crohn’s disease be reclassified as having Johne’s disease? Enjoy the latest commentary from Dr. William C. Davis of Washington State University, whose lab will be presenting their latest research at the Berkeley Conference on September 21st!
Berkeley Conference | A Call for Action
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are not only conventional opportunistic pathogens, but they are important sources of triggers of chronic immune-mediated and autoimmune disorders. In this short note and associated paper, Dr. Karel Hruska highlights the risk posed by NTM in water, food, and soil. Hence NTM are associated with the so called “civilization diseases” (Type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.)
Berkeley Conference | MAP as a Zoonotic Pathogen
The 2018 Human Para conference, Mycobacterial Implications in Crohn’s and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, is only weeks away! As an introduction to MAP, the conference, and our foundation, Dr. Michael Collins has provided a short video summarizing the issues and setting the stage.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis Patient Healed by Anti-MAP Antibiotics
The author of this recent case study, Branko G. Celler, an Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, developed a particularly serious form of sarcoidosis in 2012. While sarcoidosis is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs, only a small portion of patients have cardiac involvement, which can lead to symptomatic conduction disturbances, ventricular arrhythmias, progressive heart failure and sudden death. Read more about his recovery with anti-mycobacterial antibiotics.
Berkeley Conference in September: Updates and Registration
Have you reserved your spot for the Human Para Conference, Mycobacterial Implications in Crohn’s and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, coming to Berkeley, CA on September 21st & 22nd? It’s not too late! Registration closes a week prior to the event, and a detailed agenda, abstracts and updated registration information have recently been added to the conference pages. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that portions of this activity have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM.
2017 Annual Report
The 2017 Human Paratuberculosis Foundation annual report is now available. Read about our first year in review, including a financial update.
Joint MAP Testing Study Comes to NYC
Two new dates have been added to the Joint MAP Testing Study! Dr. Stuart Weg and Dr. J. Todd Kuenstner will draw the final 45 samples needed to complete Human Para’s inaugural MAP research project in August.
If you are over the age of 18 and live in the New York City area, please consider participating in our study, either as a Crohn’s disease patient or a healthy control. We are seeking 15 Crohn’s patients and 30 healthy control subjects to donate a small amount of blood.
Why the Controversy? The Untold Story of MAP and Human Health
Several years ago, Dr. Roderick Chiodini was asked to write a chapter for a book detailing his experiences. Dr. Chiodini is the microbiologist that originally cultured MAP from a 12 year old girl with Crohn’s Disease. He went on to found the International Association of Paratuberculosis and was the leading figure during the 1980’s and 1990’s.
The book was never published. The following draft is his story.
The long road to the development of a peptide-based vaccine for Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis.
The recently published article describing the discovery of a MAP mutation that may lead to the development of a MAP vaccine for both animals and humans was received by our community with great interest. One of the researchers, Dr. William C. Davis, has provided Human Para with a summary of this highly technical article. A huge thanks to Dr. Davis and his colleagues for this piece, and for their contribution to MAP science.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | July 2018
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 and other therapies. Enjoy!
Golf Tournament Raises $24,000 for MAP Research
The Fight for the Cure Golf tournament on May 17th was a fantastic success! Find out how many funds were raised for MAP research, and what Human Para is doing next. a huge THANK YOU to the Joly family and all of our volunteers who made this event a success.
ACG Turns a Blind Eye to Mycobacterial Therapy in Crohn’s Disease
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recently released the 2018 Guidelines for the treatment of Crohn’s Disease (CD). Such guidelines can profoundly influence how practitioners treat CD and how younger physicians perceive CD pathophysiology. It is therefore intensely disappointing to read the ACG’s mistaken and blatantly unsupported conclusions in regard to mycobacteria and Atypical Mycobacterial Antibiotic Therapy (AMAT) for CD.
Next Stop on the MAP: Berkeley, California!
Human Para is pleased to announce our 2018 Conference: Mycobacterial Implications in Crohn’s and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. On September 21 & 22, 2018, a group of dedicated researchers will bring their experience and expertise to Berkeley, California for a two-day conference. Featuring presenters and experts from across the globe, this conference has been specifically designed to explore the role that mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP), may play in Crohn’s disease, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other chronic conditions.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | April 2018
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 and other therapies. Enjoy!
Healthy Living | Diet | Specific Carbohydrate Diet
The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) is a strict grain-free, lactose-free and sucrose-free diet therapy.
Until recently the link between diet, gut bacteria and disease had been ignored by mainstream medicine. Only in the last decade, as the human microbiome took center stage in scientific research and attention to diet therapies began to grow, the SCD gained the attention of the medical community. Lately it has been investigated in multiple studies as a legitimate medical option for managing disease.
Healthy Living | Supplements | Oregano
People with digestive diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS and SIBO, may benefit from supplementation with Oil of Oregano due to it’s anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. This article discusses the active ingredients of oregano, looks at research using oregano in digestive diseases and answers questions about the different forms and preparations of oregano.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | January 2018
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 Anti-MAP and other therapies. Enjoy!
Krista – Crashing MAP’s party with RMAT
When I was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease six years ago, I was ignorant to the extent to which it would change my life. It altered all plans I had meticulously pieced together for a cohesive and creative existence within the world. The continual road of ups and downs not only affected me, they impacted my family, finances, and career. I knew people with UC/CD before I was diagnosed, yet had no idea of the daily struggles they faced, from immense pain and fatigue to brain fog to how your life stops when you have a flare. I lost my independence, financial nest egg, numerous jobs, relationships, and eventually myself.
Today is #GivingTuesday!
#GivingTuesday is finally here, and Human Para has a great way to maximize your donation dollars to fund MAP research and make a difference in the lives of Crohn’s patients and people with MAP-driven diseases around the world. If you’re new to the #GivingTuesday movement, you may want to read our introductory post first.
On November 28th, starting at 8:00 a.m. EST, Facebook and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match funds donated to 501(c)(3) charities up to $50,000 per nonprofit, until the $2 million in matching funds run out. Facebook is also waiving the fees for all donations made on #GivingTuesday to nonprofits through their site.
#GivingTuesday
We all know about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but what is #GivingTuesday? In short – a great opportunity to fund some MAP research this holiday season!
Human Para’s #GivingTuesday campaign is hoping to raise $40,000 to fully fund our initial Joint Testing Study. All funds raised on #GivingTuesday will go directly to MAP research! If we raise the full amount needed for our initial study, we have more research projects waiting in the wings.
Joint MAP Testing Project
Human Paratuberculosis Foundation seeks to sponsor innovative research projects which will add to our understanding of MAP’s role in human disease. We encourage cooperative efforts among investigators, research centers, and other resources.
Human Para is pleased to announce our first research project in conjunction with 10 investigators from 5 different countries. This initial study seeks to confirm that Crohn’s disease patients have a significantly higher rate of MAP infection than individuals that do not have Crohn’s, and to compare more recent rapid culture methods from multiple laboratories. Our funding goal is $40,000 which will allow 210 samples (60 from Crohn’s patients, 150 controls) to be tested. MAP cultures and antibody studies will be performed in the laboratories of John Aitken, Timothy Bull, Irene Grant, Horacio Bach, Peilin Zhang and Raghava Potula.
To People with Crohn’s Disease
by Judith Eve Lipton, MD
originally published June 7, 2015, revised October 24, 2017
I receive many letters from people around the world asking about treating Crohn’s disease with antibiotics, under the theory that Crohn’s disease is an infection caused by MAP, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. I am a psychiatrist, not a gastroenterologist (GI), and not qualified to make specific suggestions about treating Crohn’s disease. I never treat any GI patients myself, and never did. I will never tell people specific doses or protocols for treating MAP because every patient is different. If you elect to learn more and follow this path, you will need your own local physician. I am only offering general information.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | October 2017
Read all the latest news and research about Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and the treatment of Crohn’s and other MAP-driven diseases.
Human Paratuberculosis Foundation is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date MAP information to assist healthcare professionals and patients around the world to make informed decisions about their treatment. We are grateful for the support of this community and look forward to taking this journey together.
Consensus Article from the 2017 MAP Conference
Human Para is pleased to share the consensus article from the 2017 MAP conference in Philadelphia. This effort represents a historic collaboration of the world’s experts on Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP), who are concerned about the impact of MAP on human health. The goal of this collaboration is to advance better treatment options for patients suffering from MAP-driven conditions.
Events
Upcoming Events September 21 & 22, 2018 Mycobacterial Implications in Crohn's and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Berkeley, California We are pleased to announce that Human Paratuberculosis Foundation will be hosting a ...
Educational Pack for Patients
Human Paratuberculosis Foundation has created an information pack designed with patients in mind. This downloadable pack, containing links to the latest research and resources on MAP science, can be printed or sent in electronic format. Presented in a brief, easy to read format, it provides an introduction to MAP in Crohn’s and other diseases, discusses detection rates, and sets out therapeutic options including clinical trials. A full page of additional resources follows, concluding with a short synopsis about the Human Para organization. This can be used to help you prepare to get the most out of your next visit with your healthcare professional. Understanding your condition and the latest research can increase your chances of improving and maintaining your health.
Request for Research Proposals
Human Paratuberculosis Foundation is pleased to announce that it is seeking research proposals from qualified applicants that will advance our knowledge about the role that Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) plays in human disease. MAP has been detected in significantly higher numbers in patients with Crohn’s disease, Type 1 Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Sarcoidosis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Psoriasis, and emerging research indicates that MAP may be involved in other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Blau Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. It has been shown that patients with these conditions have genetic vulnerabilities which may hinder the immune system’s ability to correctly recognize pathogens, predisposing them to bacteria such as MAP.
Human Para now seeks to sponsor innovative research projects which will add to our understanding of MAP’s role in human disease. For further details and instructions on how to submit a proposal, please see the Application Instructions.
Dr. C. Thomas Dow | All Roads Lead from Crohn’s
“All roads lead to Rome” is the old axiom that described the central place the city of Rome played in its millennial world empire. All roads lead from Crohn’s – this narrative discusses human diseases associated with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) other than Crohn’s disease, including Blau syndrome, Type I diabetes, sarcoidosis, lupus and Parkinson’s disease. For our purposes these roads are trails; genetic trails.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | July 2017
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 Anti-MAP therapy. Enjoy!
The MAP Gap Newsletter | April 2017
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!
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
On my way home from the 2017 MAP Conference in Philadelphia, I had to drive through a tunnel which ran underneath a mountain. Tunnels have always made me a little nervous due the confinement, but I relaxed as I saw daylight coming from a small hole on the other side. As I focused on getting to the light, it occurred to me that this tunnel was a great representation of my journey with Crohn’s disease. For so many years I moved forward through life in the confinement of disease. Darkness was my companion, and I felt alone and different from those around me. But as my body healed on antibiotic therapy, I came back into the light of living a full and joyful life free of chronic disease.
Grow Your Own Doctor
The following article was provided to Human Paratuberculosis Foundation by Dr. Judith Lipton. It was written in May 2015, but still remains relevant today. It is an excellent overview of MAP, and provides practical advice for patients who want to convince their doctor to treat their MAP infection. HPF is grateful to Dr. Lipton for her contributions to the field and for providing this helpful article.
UPDATE: 2017 MAP Conference
UPDATE: On March 24-25, 2017, MAP researchers and doctors from around the world will gather in Philadelphia, PA to share presentations and discuss how best to advance MAP science. Read the latest update about the Goals of the meeting, Discussion Topics, and Presenters list. Additionally, the latest sponsorship details are announced.
Machines: The Microbiome Part II
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!
AMAT: Together We Are Stronger
On June 14, 2016, the journal Gut Pathogens released a new study entitled “RHB-104 Triple Antibiotics Combination in Culture is Bactericidal and Should be Effective for Treatment of Crohn’s Disease Associated with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.” The researchers from the University of Central Florida (including Dr. Saleh Naser) found that the raw active ingredients used in RHB-104 worked together in combination to inhibit the growth of 16 Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) strains and 19 other mycobacterial species.
Fathers
To all of the fathers out there: We hear you and acknowledge your love and strength in whatever health battle you are fighting. We support you. We care.
John Aitken in the News
Christchurch Microbiologist May Have Cracked Crohn’s Disease
New today, two articles about John Aitken and his research into Crohn’s disease are making headlines in the New Zealand news.
John Aitken | Mothers
This photo is that of a group of white cells in the blood of a Crohn’s patient. It is literally “One from the heart.”From all of us to all of you,
Happy Mothers Day, and thank you so much for all that you do.
Dietzia: A Potential Probiotic Therapy for Crohn’s Disease
MAP and Crohn’s Disease in the News
Some of you may have seen these recent news articles regarding MAP and Crohn’s disease. For those of you who missed it, here’s a brief recap. I particularly enjoyed listening to the two new interviews given by Prof. Thomas Borody.
Majestic Plural Studios Documentary
Majestic Plural Studios is investigating new scientific evidence that is altering the way we understand the cause and debilitating effects of Crohn’s disease as well as other auto-immune disorders. Their upcoming documentary film provides a forum for some of the world’s most notable experts on the subject to share their findings at a pivotal point in disease classification.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | April 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!
John Aitken | A Brief Introduction
“The Crohn’s Moans” is a documentary project started by Ivana Bosek who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was sixteen. Currently in her twenties, she is seeking knowledge of the condition, as well as exploring treatments outside of conventional medicine practices. Through filming and producing this documentary she hopes to provide information to those who are hungry for answers but especially to those who are too ill to be researching for themselves.
In this first clip, John Aitken provides a short introduction.
Gilles R. G. Monif, M.D. | How MAP Becomes Crohn’s Disease
Any claim for causation of Crohn’s disease must address four key issues:
- Why the sudden onset of disease in the twentieth century;
- Why its epidemic spread;
- Why limited sites of involvement within the gastrointestinal tract; and
- Why the significant variability with respect to the age of onset.
John Aitken | Endophytes
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?
Gilles R. G. Monif, M.D. | Understanding 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.
The 2015 expanded Hruska Postulate states that Crohn’s disease is the interaction of two immune responses to MAP occurring in different time frames. Learn more about these two immune responses and welcome our newest presenter, Gilles R. G. Monif, M.D.
Join us in our New Facebook Group
Welcome to The Crohn’s Infection on Facebook! Julie and Craig, the Site Administrators of TheCrohnsInfection.org, have created a private group to provide a social media outlet for those of you who wish to connect and discuss the information presented on our site. Please join us!
Crohn’s Disease Patient Raising Awareness of his Invisible Disease
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.
GeneThera Press Release Details Expansion Into Crohn’s Disease
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.
The MAP Gap Newsletter | January 2016
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.
2016 promises to be a year of discovery in this field. 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.
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Anti-MAP Q&A has been updated
New today! We have added additional items to Dr. Chamberlin’s Anti-MAP Q&A. See what Dr. Chamberlin has to say on the Anti-MAP Q&A page. Have a question? View this post to submit one to the experts!