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Last reviewed: February 2021
MAP (mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis) is a bacteria that causes Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis) in cattle, sheep and other livestock. There are some similarities between Johne’s and Crohn’s Disease. Scientists are studying whether MAP could also play a role in Crohn’s in humans.
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Professor Hermon-Taylor at King’s College London is developing an anti-MAP vaccine. The aim of the vaccine is to both treat and prevent Crohn’s. Crohn’s & Colitis UK helped to fund the early lab stages of this research.
The MAP vaccine is made by taking a common cold virus that normally infects chimpanzees and changing it so that it looks like MAP. The virus can not multiply in humans. The MAP vaccine is safe for people with weakened immune systems.
The vaccine is still in the early phases of testing in humans. In healthy people, it was found to be safe with no serious side effects. Next the researchers will test the vaccine in people with active Crohn’s to see if it is safe and effective. This study is ongoing, but recruitment to the trial has now closed.
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Please email us at evidence@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk if:
You can also write to us at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, 1 Bishop Square, Hatfield, AL10 9NE, or contact us through our Helpline: 0300 222 5700
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline team can help by:
Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.
Listening and talking through your situation.
Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.
Signposting you to specialist organisations.
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
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