Milk a possible cause again

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Bacteria In Cows' Milk May Cause Crohn's Disease

Crohn's is a condition that affects one in 800 people in the UK and causes chronic intestinal inflammation, leading to pain, bleeding and diarrhoea.

The team found that a bacterium called Mycobacterium paratuberculosis releases a molecule that prevents a type of white blood cell from killing E.coli bacteria found in the body. E.coli is known to be present within Crohn's disease tissue in increased numbers.

It is thought that the Mycobacteria make their way into the body's system via cows' milk and other dairy products. In cattle it can cause an illness called Johne's disease - a wasting, diarrhoeal condition. Until now, however, it has been unclear how this bacterium could trigger intestinal inflammation in humans.

Professor Jon Rhodes, from the University's School of Clinical Sciences, explains: "Mycobacterium paratuberculosis has been found within Crohn's disease tissue but there has been much controversy concerning its role in the disease. We have now shown that these Mycobacteria release a complex molecule containing a sugar, called mannose. This molecule prevents a type of white blood cells, called macrophages, from killing internalised E.Coli."

Scientists have previously shown that people with Crohn's disease have increased numbers of a 'sticky' type of E.coli and weakened ability to fight off intestinal bacteria. The suppressive effect of the Mycobacterial molecule on this type of white blood cell suggests it is a likely mechanism for weakening the body's defence against the bacteria.

Professor Rhodes added: "We also found that this bacterium is a likely trigger for a circulating antibody protein (ASCA) that is found in about two thirds of patients with Crohn's disease, suggesting that these people may have been infected by the Mycobacterium."

The team is beginning clinical trials to assess whether an antibiotic combination can be used to target the bacteria contained in white blood cells as a possible treatment for Crohn's disease.
 
On again, off again, on again. Is the room spinning, or is it just my imagination? I think I need to sit down... probably on a toilet, till the clowns, eeer 'scientists' get their act together. I wonder how much faster the progress would be if these guys actually had Crohns. Barring of course, much needed periodic bathroom breaks!! Give us a break
 
Bacteria certainly plays a role in Crohn's. There are about a dozen suspects and it could still be another variety yet unidentified or more than one.

There are so many strains of bacteria in the intestinal tract the only way to eliminate the offending ones is to use a broad based bacteriacide.

It could be a long before they conclusively identify the culprit or culprits. I am glad that someone is still looking.

Maybe you have seen this report before about milk and Crohn's, but it is interesting.

http://www.mad-cow.org/00/paraTB.html

Dan Bergman
 

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