Lay Summary

Proposal No. IBD-0207R
Principal Investigator:  Saleh A. Naser, Ph.D.
Applicant Organization:  University of Central Florida (Orlando, U.S.A.)
Project Title:  Role of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (MAP) in family members with Crohn’s disease: genetic link and environmental influence
Period of Award:  January 1, 2008 – June 30, 2010

We will elucidate any correlation between the presence of MAP, the NOD2 gene mutation and the use of immunosuppressant in CD patients, their family members and controls. All CD patients including some family members participating in this study will be investigated for the presence and sharing of MAP strains in correlation with genetic susceptibility, current use of immunosuppressant, and the epidemiology and familial aggregation of CD. Ultimately, this study may provide new information regarding the safety of our food chain and the development of precautionary protocols for family members with Crohn’s associated with MAP.