Scientists say Crohn's, cattle disease may be linked

Scientists have found that people with Crohn's disease often have a gut bacteria that is also found in cattle who suffer from a digestive-tract disease. The bacterium--called Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP)--is found in cattle with Johne's disease, and experts say it can be passed into beef and dairy products. While the study did not identify how or why Crohn's sufferers were exposed to MAP, researchers say the next step is to determine whether people predisposed to Crohn's could develop the disease after exposure to infected meat or dairy products.  Read full story >