A new study has found a potential link between gut bacteria and multiple sclerosis, showing that microbes in the gut might play a role in triggering the disease. Researchers studied 81 sets of identical twins, where one twin had MS and the other did not, to explore how gut bacteria and multiple sclerosis may be connected. They discovered that two specific types of gut bacteria—Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium—were more common in the twins with MS. When these bacteria were introduced into lab mice, the animals developed MS-like symptoms, especially the females, echoing patterns seen in humans. These findings add to growing evidence that gut bacteria and multiple sclerosis may be more closely linked than previously thought, potentially opening new doors for treatment.
They discovered more than 50 types of bacteria that were different between the twins, but two in particular—Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium—stood out. These bacteria, found in the part of the small intestine called the ileum, were more common in the twins with MS. To test whether these bacteria could actually play a role in MS, the researchers transferred them into germ-free mice that were genetically predisposed to develop an MS-like condition. Mice that received the bacteria from MS-affected twins were significantly more likely to develop disease symptoms, especially females. This mirrors patterns seen in people, where MS is more common in women.
This research is among the first to show a direct link between specific gut microbes and MS-like illness. While the study was conducted in animals and more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, it offers a promising step forward in understanding how gut health may influence the development of MS. Scientists believe that in the future, treatments aimed at managing or changing gut bacteria could become part of how MS is treated or even prevented.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This covering, called myelin, helps electrical signals travel smoothly along the nerves. When it’s damaged, those signals can slow down or stop, leading to a range of symptoms. These can include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, vision problems, and muscle weakness. MS affects everyone differently—some people experience only mild issues while others may face more serious challenges.
The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but it’s believed to be the result of both genetic and environmental factors. It most commonly appears in adults between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more frequently diagnosed in women. While there is no cure, several treatments are available that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
The full study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, can be accessed here.
