Two Bacteria identified as possible causes of multiple sclerosis

[tyson oberle]

https://share.google/TUHtUROjsBSIroDe6

 

[linusbert]

they recommend fiber for the bad bacteria so it doesnt fall back to worse food sources and produce less toxic byproducts.

maybe the answer is in the guts after all.
food change gave me best improvement so far, also others report strong improvements with dietary changes. maybe its not what the food does give to the body, but what the food did to the microbiome.

 

[Wishful]

maybe its not what the food does give to the body, but what the food did to the microbiome.

I strongly agree, at least for some people. Likewise, it might not be specific chemicals in some foods that make our ME symptoms worse, but indirectly through microbes. That makes it harder to guess which foods might affect ME, since we have thousands of strains of bacteria, and I don't know how many strains of phages, any of which might be affected by gut contents.

 

[Wayne]

https://share.google/TUHtUROjsBSIroDe6

Summary of the Study:
A twin study led by Dr. Anna Peters at Ludwig Maximilian University identified two gut bacteria—Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium—as potential environmental triggers for multiple sclerosis (MS). The research involved 81 pairs of identical twins, only one of whom had MS. Analysis of gut samples, especially from the ileum, revealed that these two bacterial species were significantly more prevalent in MS-affected individuals.
Key findings:

• In germ-free mice, transplanting gut bacteria from the MS twin induced paralysis and spinal lesions, whereas bacteria from the healthy twin did not.
• The bacteria bloom occurred particularly in female mice, mirroring the higher incidence of MS in women.
• Both species belong to the Lachnospiraceae family, which typically helps digest fiber but can turn harmful under certain conditions.
• E. tayi produces ethanol and succinate, which activate Th17 cells, known to damage the nervous system.
• These microbes may thrive on mucus sugars, thinning the gut barrier and exposing the immune system to harmful triggers.
• The study underscores the potential for targeted treatments, like narrow-spectrum antibiotics, bacteriophages, or dietary fiber interventions.

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Relevance for People With ME/CFS:
This MS research highlights how specific gut microbes can influence immune function, a concept increasingly explored in ME/CFS. Similarities include:

• Gut microbiome imbalances and leaky gut, seen in both conditions.
• Activation of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, potentially contributing to symptoms.
• Shared female predominance and interest in microbial-targeted therapies.

While the exact bacteria studied aren't yet linked to ME/CFS, the mechanisms may still apply and offer directions for future research.

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Conclusion:
While the MS study does not directly address ME/CFS, it adds to the growing case that gut microbes can trigger or modulate complex immune disorders. It suggests a productive path for ME/CFS research: focusing on specific bacterial species, their metabolites, and how they shape immune responses—particularly in the ileum and in sex-specific ways.

 

[andyguitar]

Interesting stuff @tyson oberle I can remember a news story some years ago about the possibility of a bacteria causing MS and it had something to do with a bacteria carried by sheep or goats.

 

[Rufous McKinney]

maybe the answer is in the guts after all.

I think it's a factor but not a cause of the illness.

My gut is operating in a much improved manner. The SIBO got way better. I've not had hardly any gut drama in some time. Some days it feels like maybe this is what normal is.

The neurological issues and immune issue and fatigue are still present. Some of my symptoms are a bit less.

 

[Wishful]

Analysis of gut samples, especially from the ileum, revealed that these two bacterial species were significantly more prevalent in MS-affected individuals.

I'd take that to mean that suffering from MS symptoms can affect microbiome populations. Unless nearly 100% of PWMS had those species, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that they cause MS.

 

[Wishful]

maybe the answer is in the guts after all.

Yes, if the question is "does it affect ME severity?" I doubt that it's an answer to "What causes ME?" or "Can altering the gut microbiome treat or cure ME?" Altering my gut microbiome affects the severity of some of my symptoms, and my intolerances (which affect those symptoms), but hasn't given me any remission. Various chemicals that seem unlikely to work via microbiome alteration did give temporary complete remission. So, I think the root cause of ME lies elsewhere.