Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is often abbreviated MAP. It is an organism studied in animal disease and human gastrointestinal research. That abbreviation is unrelated to the “MAP” in the GI-MAP test name.
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Why MAP appears in gastrointestinal research
MAP causes Johne’s disease in ruminant animals. Researchers have investigated possible relationships with human Crohn’s disease, but detection and association do not settle whether it causes an individual’s illness. The literature includes unresolved questions about methods, causality and clinical relevance. [1]
What the GI-MAP target contributes
GI-MAP lists M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis as a targeted stool finding. A detected target is not a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and does not establish active tissue infection. An undetected result does not rule out Crohn’s disease. [2]
Why it should not guide treatment on its own
A stool marker cannot establish that an antimycobacterial regimen is appropriate, identify every susceptibility characteristic or monitor all aspects of inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment decisions need a specialist assessment of the actual condition, including established investigations where indicated.
The term Mycobacterium also covers many different organisms. This result must not be interpreted as a tuberculosis test or a diagnosis of every disease associated with the M. avium complex.
How to discuss a finding without overreading it
Ask exactly what target was detected, whether confirmation would be useful and which clinical decision it could change. If you have persistent diarrhea, bleeding or unexplained weight loss, the symptoms themselves warrant evaluation regardless of this marker.
Common questions
Does MAP detected mean I have Crohn’s disease?
No. Crohn’s disease cannot be diagnosed from this stool target alone.
Does a negative result exclude inflammatory bowel disease?
No. The target does not cover the full range of causes or findings used in an IBD assessment.
Sources and review
Sources checked October 7, 2026. Manufacturer material describes the test; clinical guidance and research support the interpretation limits.
- Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis: review of the evidence, 2018
- Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory: GI-MAP interpretive guide (manufacturer specifications)
Medical review of this article is pending. For a correction or source question, contact GI MAP Test.