Johne’s and Crohn’s disease – two diseases that are similar but also different. These two diseases cause fear and question for many people, because there is a possibility of Johne’s being a link to Crohn’s disease. Even though most veterinarians do not believe that research shows a link between Crohn’s and Johne’s, some argue a connection between the two because of the similar bacterial organisms found in both diseases.
Johne’s is a disease that is found in cattle, both dairy and beef and is also known as paratuberculosis. Johne’s disease is caused by the bacterial organism Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Researchers from Iowa State University said that this disease is a “chronic, progressive, infectious [bovine] disease characterized by intermittent diarrhea, severe weight loss, emaciation, and death.” Johne’s causes a progressive thickening of the large and small intestines, and even the colon, which in time will compromise nutrient absorption and basic digestive function.
No cure or treatment for Johne’s has been identified at this time, therefore making it a terminal disease. Crohn’s disease appears to be similar to Johne’s disease in bovines, but occurs in humans.
Crohn’s disease is found in humans and is a chronic inflammatory of the bowel. Researchers from Ohio State University Medical Center say that this disease “[is] an inflammation that extends into the deeper layers of the intestinal wall, and also may affect other parts of the digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine [duodenum, appendix, and anus].”
The symptoms of this disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, fever, nausea, vomiting, floating stools, osteoporosis, eye infections, blood clots, liver disease, and skin rashes. But unlike Johne’s in cattle, Crohn’s disease has effective therapy, treatments and procedures to control the disease.
The two diseases show quite a few similarities, but the question is whether or not Johne’s is linked to the cause of Crohn’s disease. It has been suggested that the cows infected with Johne’s disease leave traces of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in milk and meat consumed by humans.
It is my opinion that milk and meat from Johne’s positive cows is not to blame for any human contraction of Crohn’s disease. A person positive for Crohn’s disease shows traces of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in their gut tissues. However, tests have also proven that there are traces of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis can be present in people free of Crohn’s disease.
The cause of Crohn’s disease has not been fully identified and although similarities with Johne’s disease in bovines do exist, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis has not been conclusively linked as the cause of Crohn’s disease.
This topic is so interesting. You seem to have a drive to help and to save the animals afflicted by these diseases. Your passion for this topic makes me and others im sure to read more about these diseases and the links between them. YAY for OP-EDS!
-aprilllllllllllll
I enjoyed reading about this topic. I think that it’s kind of scary! I hope i don’t ever get Crohn’s and i feel bad for the poor cows who have Johne’s!!!!!! Nice job though, it seems like a pretty serious issue! Good luck with being a vet!! Seems like you’ll make a good one!
GREAT JOB TAYLER!!!!
You do seem to have a passion for this topic! This is a really good op-ed! 
-Danielle
You really are doing a nice job explaining a complex topic. And editorials that use the word ‘duodenum’ always seems to be successful. My only concern is with how relevant others will find the topic. Could you open the editorial with a brief description of Crones? Talk about how the disease continues to pose a problem. Then transition to Johne’s disease and the (potential) link? Really, anyway you could remind everyday, non-veterinary readers of how important this topic really is would be wise, I think.