Epizootic assessment of Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis infections in cattle in Poland in 2011-2020 as a potential etiological factor of Crohn's disease in humans.

Abstract

Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a bacterial germ and the etiologic agent in paratuberculosis also known as Johne's disease, a debilitating disease seen in animals. MAP is one of the triggers in the development of Crohn's disease in humans. Therefore the presence of these microorganisms in the environment and their prevalence in farm animals in relation to Crohn's disease is a new area of research. To date, it has not been evaluated in Poland. Material and methods. The materials for this study consisted of 14,468 samples of bovine serum across Poland. Determination of anti-MAP antibody levels was performed using an immunoenzymatic Paratuberculosis Screening Ab Test p/n P07130-5® (IDEXX, Westbrook, Maine 04092, United States). Results. The study consisted of 14,468 samples of bovine serum. Anti-MAP antibodies were identified in 349 cattle sera. Conclusions. Successful paratuberculosis screening programs can lead to a reduction of MAP in animal products. As the role of MAP in Crohn’s disease is not fully understood, future research should be conducted to address this knowledge gap and avoid a potential zoonotic public health problem.