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Published on: December 15, 2011
Crohn's disease: the case for measles virus
A J Wakefield1, S M Montgomery, R E Pounder
1Department of Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK. Wakersa@aol.com
Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|June 24, 1999
Summary
Measles virus may cause Crohn's disease through persistent infection following early, low-dose exposure. This atypical exposure pattern could explain the disease's emergence and characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Crohn's disease exhibits epidemiological and pathological features suggestive of an infectious origin.
- The disease's emergence in developed nations mid-20th century implies a novel infection or altered exposure to a common pathogen.
- Viral infection outcomes are significantly influenced by age and dose of exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal link between measles virus and Crohn's disease.
- To explore the hypothesis that atypical measles virus exposure patterns contribute to Crohn's disease development.
- To understand the role of persistent infection and immune tolerance in Crohn's pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on Crohn's disease and measles virus exposure.
- Comparative analysis of measles virus infection sequelae (e.g., subacute sclerosing panencephalitis) and Crohn's disease.
- Hypothesizing mechanisms of persistent infection and immune dysregulation.
Main Results:
- Measles virus is proposed as a potential causative agent for Crohn's disease.
- Atypical, low-dose, early-life measles virus exposure may lead to persistent infection and low-zone immune tolerance.
- This pattern aligns with observed changes in measles virus exposure and Crohn's disease incidence.
Conclusions:
- Persistent measles virus infection, potentially at low copy numbers in granulomatous foci, is a plausible mechanism for Crohn's disease.
- Measles virus's ability to disrupt mucosal immunity may mimic cytokine-gene knockout models.
- Understanding measles virus-Crohn's disease association offers insights into inflammatory bowel diseases.
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