Gut bacteria linked to multiple sclerosis risk – groundbreaking study

Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich have discovered that two specific bacteria can increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). A study of identical twins has shown that changes in the gut microbiome may play a key role in the development of the disease. The findings could pave the way for new therapies that can prevent or delay the progression of MS.

A study by a team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich focused on gut bacteria that may be associated with the development of multiple sclerosis. The researchers identified two strains, Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium, that were found in higher numbers in people with MS. This discovery could significantly impact the development of new treatments for the disease.

The research team decided to analyze the gut microbiome of 81 pairs of identical twins—one of whom had MS and the other did not. This method allowed the researchers to rule out the influence of genetic and environmental factors, allowing them to focus more precisely on the role of the microbiome. Ultimately, they found that bacteria such as E. tayi and Lachnoclostridium were more common in people with MS.

To confirm their suspicions, the researchers transferred bacteria from the guts of sick twins to mice that had been genetically modified to be susceptible to an MS-like disease. The results of the experiment showed that the mice that got sick had the same bacteria in their microbiomes.

Although the research is still in its early stages, the findings hold great potential for future treatment of multiple sclerosis. The researchers emphasize that further research could help understand how the gut microbiome affects the disease, and could also lead to the development of new therapies that prevent or slow the progression of MS. "Our study is a step toward understanding the role of the gut microbiome in the development of this disease," one of the researchers says.