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Paratuberculosis and Type I diabetes: is this the trigger?
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Avenue Madison, WI 53792, United States. ctdow@wisc.edu
Medical Hypotheses
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Environmental exposure to Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis (MAP) in cow's milk may trigger Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in genetically susceptible individuals. This study presents evidence linking MAP to T1DM development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease with an incompletely understood etiology.
- Environmental factors are suspected triggers in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Early-life cow's milk exposure is a known risk factor for T1DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis (MAP) as a potential environmental trigger for T1DM.
- To present evidence supporting MAP's role in T1DM pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic susceptibilities in T1DM.
- Analysis of epitope homologies between MAP and human antigens.
- Examination of epidemiologic studies on MAP exposure and T1DM.
Main Results:
- MAP, the causative agent of Johne's disease, is present in cow's milk and survives pasteurization.
- Evidence suggests MAP acts as an immune antigen.
- Genetic, immunological, and epidemiological data support MAP's involvement.
Conclusions:
- MAP is a potential causative agent of T1DM in genetically at-risk populations.
- Further research is warranted to confirm MAP's role in T1DM etiology.
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