A new twin study has identified two specific strains of bacteria that may be associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The researchers, led by a team from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, found that people with MS tend to have higher levels of Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium in their gut microbiome.
The study involved 81 pairs of identical twins, where one twin had MS and the other did not. The researchers analyzed the gut bacteria of these twins and found that 51 different types of bacteria were more common in people with MS. They then transferred these microbes to mice engineered to be susceptible to MS-like disease, which showed similar symptoms.
The study suggests that these two bacteria may play a crucial role in triggering MS, although further research is needed to confirm this. The researchers believe that the connection between the brain and gut microbiome may explain how MS develops. By identifying specific bacteria that contribute to the risk of developing MS, scientists hope to develop new treatments that target these microbes.
The study’s findings have been published in PNAS and provide a promising lead for further research into the prevention and treatment of MS.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-identify-specific-bacteria-linked-to-multiple-sclerosis