Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis: Human Exposure through Environmental and Domestic Aerosols

Pathogens

Glenn Rhodes¹  Hollian Richardson²  John Hermon-Taylor⁵  Andrew Weightman⁴  Andrew Higham³ 

[1] Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lake Ecosystems Group, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK; E-Mail:;Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK; E-Mail:;Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 4RP, UK; E-Mail:;Cardiff School of Biosciences, Main Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK; E-Mail:;Division of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, Franklin-Wilkins Building, King’s College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom; E-Mail:

关键词: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis;    Crohn’s disease;    aerosols;    rivers;    domestic showers;    exposure;   

DOI  :  10.3390/pathogens3030577

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) causes Johne’s disease in animals and is significantly associated with Crohn’s disease (CD) in humans. Our previous studies have shown Map to be present in U.K. rivers due to land deposition from chronic livestock infection and runoff driven by rainfall. The epidemiology of CD in Cardiff showed a significant association with the River Taff, in which Map can be detected on a regular basis. We have previously hypothesized that aerosols from the river might influence the epidemiology of CD. In this preliminary study, we detected Map by quantitative PCR in one of five aerosol samples collected above the River Taff. In addition, we examined domestic showers from different regions in the U.K. and detected Map in three out of 30 independent samples. In detecting Map in river aerosols and those from domestic showers, this is the first study to provide evidence that aerosols are an exposure route for Map to humans and may play a role in the epidemiology of CD.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.