Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review assesses the causal relationship between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and Crohn's disease (CD). Methods:A systematic review and meta-analysis of some impressive PCR based studies is provided aimed to answer among other questions the following question. Is there a cause effect relationship between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and Crohn's disease? The method of the conditio per quam relationship was used to proof the hypothesis whether the presence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis guarantees the presence of Crohn's disease. In other words, if Crohn's disease is present, then Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is present too. The mathematical formula of the causal relationship k was used to proof the hypothesis, whether there is a cause effect relationship between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and Crohn's disease. Significance was indicated by a p-value of less than 0.05. Results:The studies analyzed (number of cases and controls N=1076) were able to provide evidence that Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is a necessary condition (conditio sine qua non) and sufficient condition of Crohn's disease. Furthermore, the studies analyzed provide impressive evidence of a cause-effect relationship between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and Crohn's disease. Conclusion:Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is the cause of Crohn's disease (k=+0.4435, p value < 0.0001).