Is Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) associated with Crohn's Disease?

Objective This retroactive meta-analysis assesses the relationship between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Methods A meta-analysis of PCR- and culture-based studies were conducted to determine if there is a relationship between MAP and Crohn's Disease. The chi-squared test of independence was also conducted to determine if MAP infection and Crohn's disease onset are independent events. Results The studies analyzed were able to provide evidence that Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is highly associated with Crohn's disease. It is also shown that, regardless of the detection method, MAP can effectively be detected in Crohn's patients. Conclusion MAP is strongly connected with Crohn's Disease.