Gut bacteria in people with MS

Summary

Bacteria in the human intestine perform many essential tasks fundamental to our existence such as producing vitamins, providing key nutrients and breaking down food to enhance human health. Gut bacteria also perform a very important role in building a healthy innate and adaptive immune system.

The intestinal bacterial population, known as microbiota, can vary according to a number of factors including diet and genetics. It has been shown to differ between healthy people and individuals with conditions such as allergy, atopic eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. So far, the diversity of gut bacteria in people with MS has not been described. This study proposes to compare the faecal bacteria population in people with MS at the early stages of the disease and healthy individuals. Dr Smith will use massive parallel pyrosequencing to determine the profile of bacteria in the intestine; this cutting edge genetic technology can determine a large number of genetic sequences in a single run and also detect sequences present at very low levels.

This is a very novel hypothesis which has never been examined in MS. It could potentially lead to a greater understanding of origins and disease mechanisms of MS and provide new targets for treatment.