What does MAP mean in HEALTHCARE

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a type of bacterium that is believed to be the causative agent of a slow and chronic gastrointestinal disease known as Johne's disease. This condition causes inflammation in the intestine wall and can cause severe weight loss, diarrhea, or even death in some cases.

MAP spreads primarily through contact with infected animals, animal products, and contaminated food or water. It can also be spread when an infected animal coughs or sneezes and its saliva comes into contact with another healthy animal nearby. Additionally, it can be spread through the sharing of contaminated farm implements or other objects used in the process of raising animals.

While some infected animals may not experience any symptoms at all, typical signs for animals suffering from MAP infection include persistent diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite and reduced milk production. Other signs that may indicate underlying MAP infection include fever, lethargy, weak bones, joint swelling and lameness.

The best way to prevent your livestock from getting infected by MAP is to practice good hygiene in your farm environment. Always quarantine new animals when they arrive on your farm to prevent them from transmitting the bacteria to existing livestock. Cleanliness is key when it comes to preventing bacterial infections so make sure all surfaces are regularly cleaned regularly with bleach-based disinfectants. Additionally, you should consider vaccinating your herd against this infection if it's feasible to do so where you live.

Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease so treatment options focus on alleviating symptoms while limiting future transmission risks associated with affected livestock populations. Veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics such as streptomycin or enrofloxacin which can help reduce inflammation and limit further bacterial growth within an animal's body; however these treatments cannot eradicate the bacteria completely as this would require long-term administration of drugs that could be potentially toxic for an animal due to their side effects.

Complications resulting from untreated infections vary depending on various factors such as age and overall health of an animal but typically involve extreme weight loss coupled with dehydration leading to organ failure if left unchecked for prolonged periods of time. Animals suffering from advanced stages of Johne's disease may also develop abscesses or ulcers within their intestines which cause further abdominal pain and distress leading eventually lead to death without proper medical intervention.

No - If a person has consumed meat coming from an animal known to have been carrying Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis they should consult a doctor right away since this bacteria could potentially put them at risk for contracting Johne's disease themselves; a condition which could prove lethal without early diagnosis and appropriate medical care being administered promptly upon detection of symptoms​