Study finds specific gut bacteria linked to MS

New research suggests that certain gut bacteria may raise the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), opening up potential new paths for treatment.

A team from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich studied 81 pairs of identical twins, where one twin had MS and the other did not. By focusing on genetically identical individuals, the researchers were able to control for genetic risk factors and highlight environmental influences instead.

Their analysis revealed two types of bacteria – Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium – were more common in the guts of people with MS. To explore this link further, they transferred gut bacteria from the twins into mice genetically predisposed to develop MS-like symptoms. The mice that became ill had gut microbes pointing back to these specific bacteria.

The findings strengthen the theory that gut health plays a key role in MS, possibly triggering immune system attacks on the brain and spinal cord. While the study relied partly on mouse models and more research is needed to confirm the connection in humans, it provides a clearer starting point for future studies.

The researchers hope their work could eventually lead to treatments that modify gut bacteria to prevent or slow down the onset of MS.