title: Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis: Human Exposure through Environmental and Domestic Aerosols.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lake Ecosystems Group, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK. Glenn@ceh.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rhodes
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK. h.richardson2@lancaster.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Hollian
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.affiliation: Division of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, Franklin-Wilkins Building, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK. j.hermon@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hermon-Taylor
authors.affiliation: Cardiff School of Biosciences, Main Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK. a.weightman@cardiff.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weightman
authors.affiliation: Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 4RP, UK. Andrew.Higham@mbht.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Higham
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK. r.pickup@lancaster.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pickup