MAP (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis) is a bacteria proven to cause Johne’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacting livestock that eerily resembles Crohn’s disease. Likewise, Crohn’s disease is an aggressive and often debilitating form of IBD impacting approximately four million people worldwide at a rapidly increasing rate. It causes inflammation in the lining of one’s digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, malnutrition and sometimes life-threatening complications.
There is no recognized cure for Crohn’s disease, however, a steadily growing faction of medical professionals suspect that MAP is the root cause and have the evidence to prove it.
Sponsored by CJE SeniorLife, Jewish Child & Family Services and Townstone Financial, several of the cutting edge researchers came together from opposite ends of the globe to present their groundbreaking research and findings.
Presenters
John Aitken (New Zealand) — This New Zealand microbiologist discussed his newly developed method for effectively culturing MAP bacteria to better diagnose its presence in Crohn’s patients.
Dr. William Chamberlin (U.S.) — This United States gastroenterologist provided an overview of the immune system from an evolutionary perspective, introduced evidence that Crohn’s is a disorder of innate immune deficiency, summarized data on the efficacy of properly chosen antibiotics, and discussed a new drug that stimulates innate immunity, down-regulates unproductive inflammation and enhances immune clearance of chronic intracellular infections.
Dr. Michael Collins (U.S.) — As a veterinarian and microbiologist in Madison, Wisconsin, Dr. Collins helps viewers to gain an understanding of the biology of the unusual pathogen of MAP and its zoonotic link from livestock to humans.
Dr. Amy Hermon-Taylor (U.K.) — The daughter of esteemed Prof. John Hermon-Taylor of London, England and a physician in her own right, she presents her father’s groundbreaking efforts in inventing the MAP Vaccine and complementary MAP Test, which they hope to bring to market within the next few years.
Dr. David T. Rubin, MD, is part of the University of Chicago Medicine team who specializes in the treatment and assessment of digestive diseases. His clinical expertise includes inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and high-risk cancer syndromes. Dr. Rubin performs clinical research related to outcomes in inflammatory bowel diseases, with particular interest in prevention of cancer associated with these diseases. He is also interested in new therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases, better screening tools for colorectal cancer, and the genetics of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Introduction – Dr. William Chamberlin
MAP in Veterinary Medicine – Dr. Michael Collins
MAP Diagnostics – Dr. Amy Hermon-Taylor
Mycobacterial L-forms in Crohn’s Disease Patients – John Aitken
Fepibro – Dr. William Chamberlin
Development of a Human MAP Vaccine – Dr. Amy Hermon Taylor
Crohn’s Disease and MAP – Patrick McLean