Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in dairy products, meat, and drinking water

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Public Health

Background:

• Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) causes Johne's disease in livestock, impacting milk and meat production.
• Map is suspected in human inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and type 1 diabetes, necessitating precautionary measures.
• Map can disseminate from the gut to milk and tissues of infected animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available information on Map presence in milk, dairy products, meat, and drinking water.
• To assess the risks of human exposure to Map through consumption of these products and water.
• To inform public health strategies for minimizing human exposure to Map.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications and reports.
• Analysis of data on Map prevalence in food and water sources.
• Risk assessment based on potential exposure routes and organism viability.

Main Results:

• Map is likely present in raw milk, meat, and natural waters.
• Cooking and purification methods can reduce Map numbers in food and water.
• Quantification of Map in various food matrices and water sources is variable.

Conclusions:

• Reducing human exposure to Map is a public health priority.
• Proper food processing and water treatment are crucial for mitigating risks.
• Further research is needed to fully establish Map's role in human diseases.