Resumen

RETAMAL M, Patricio et al. Possible association between Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis infection and Crohn's disease. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2011, vol.139, n.6, pp. 794-801. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872011000600015.

Paratuberculosis is a chronic intestinal disease of animals caused by Mycobacte-rium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), which has some pathological features similar to Crohn's disease (CD) in humans. The presence of MAP in food for human consumption and in affected tissues of patients with CD has been detected. Therefore, a causal association between this microorganism and the disease in humans, has been postulated. However, several related studies have failed to confirm this hypothesis and the scientific acceptance of MAP as a zoonotic agent remains controversial. This review presents the main findings related to this issue, contrasting evidences for and against an association between MAP and CD. The need to promote national studies focusing on this area is suggested.

Palabras llave : Crohn disease; Mycobacterium avium; Paratuberculosis.