Multiple Sclerosis News TodayACTRIMS 2023: ‘Bacteria X’ in Gut Microbiome May Drive Inflammation

Researchers believe that the activity of its flagella, the hair-like projections that help bacteria move around, adhere to, and invade target cells, promotes inflammation in this ‘bacteria x’ species (the name is protected by patent). Previously, the researchers examined fecal samples from patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), discovering a distinct microbiome profile associated with each MS type. The researchers discovered 12 bacterial species that were particularly enriched in the SPMS samples using bacterial DNA extracted from fecal samples from 62 RRMS and 15 SPMS patients. The highest correlation was found between bacteria X levels and patients’ disability levels, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).