Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Is MAP the trigger?

Abstract

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland that can cause hypothyroidism. As HT is a multifactorial disorder, activation of immune responses in genetically predisposed individuals exposed to some environmental factors can contribute to it. Microorganisms, as environmental factors, including Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) by molecular mimicry, can be important in this autoimmune disorder. This study aimed to investigate the association between MAP and HT. This case–control study included 110 participants consisting of 60 HT patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs). Blood samples were collected. Nested PCR of the IS900 gene determined the presence of MAP DNA. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was designed to identify antibodies (Abs) against the MAP3865c epitope, which has a homologous sequence with ZnT8 in the sera. The demographic information of all participants was recorded. Anti-TG, anti-TPO, TSH, anemia, and ruminant exposure were higer in HT patients than in the HCs (p < 0.05). MAP IS900 was detected significantly more in the patients (46.6% consisting of 30, 8.3, and 8.3% in clinical, subclinical, and unknown) than in the HCs (14%). The sera showed a remarkable frequency of reactivity against MAP3865c in the patients (38.3%) in comparison to the HCs (10%) (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, a significantly higher rate of livestock contact and traditional dairy consumption was found in individuals with MAP or anti-MAP3865c Abs positive result (p < 0.05). This study suggests a possible link between MAP and HT. These findings indicated that MAP frequency was not statistically different in the severity of HT and its shift into the clinical and subclinical forms; therefore, it could be assumed that MAPs are the initiators of the process. The results imply on a possible zoonosis transmission route of MAP from livestock products to humans. Further research is needed to confirm these results in larger groups of HT patients.

Cross-reactivity between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis 4027 peptide and Human IRF5 may contribute to Multiple Sclerosis in Iranian patients

“…In our previous investigation, we MAP DNA and antibodies in autoimmune disorders like RA (not yet published), and HT in this area [ 51 , 52 ]. These findings indicated that people in this region are repeatedly exposed to MAP, and it emphasizes the importance of the healthcare system being aware of this problem.…”

Determination of HLA class II risk alleles and prediction of self/non-self-epitopes contributing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in a group of Iranian patients

“…Based on previous studies [23,[27][28][29][30], we selected four microorganisms, including enterovirus, herpesvirus, Helicobacter pylori, and Yersinia enterocolitica, for the analysis of molecular mimicry between antigens derived from these potentially relevant pathogens and thyroid autoantigens (TPO and Tg). The analysis was conducted in several steps.…”

“…Investigations have also suggested that, bacterial pathogens such as Yersinia enterocolitica, Helicobacter pylori, and Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis might be associated with the onset of HT [27][28][29][30]. The current case-control and in-silico study were designed to explore the genetic susceptibility and protective patterns in our HT patients.…”

Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis in Asymptomatic Zoo Herbivores in Poland

“…Although it remains unclear whether MAP is a potential public health threat [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], visitors to petting zoos and zookeepers should observe safety precautions.…”