Common Human Bacteria Triggers Multiple Sclerosis

Up to now, there is ongoing research with regards to the factors that could trigger the onset of multiple sclerosis, more popularly termed as MS. Some findings indicate that there is an ordinary oral bacterium that could complicate this debilitating autoimmune disorder.

More information on multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is actually a disease wherein the body’s very own immune system attacks the brain, including the spinal cord. This disease affects one in approximately seven hundred people in the U.S. area. Those who have MS display a variety of symptoms such as neurological ones, difficulty in mobility and speech, and muscle weakness.

The common bacteria

The common bacteria, being talked about, are the porphyromas gingivalis, which is very common in human beings. These bacteria produce a very unique form of lipid called phosphorylated dihydroceramides or DHC’s. The DHC enhances the inflammatory response of the person. Also, this lipid is produced in other regions of the body, usually in the gastrointestinal tract.

These bacteria can be detected by identifying first if there is any DNA that specifically responds to this particular strain. This can be done by having a polymerase chain reaction, which is used for characterizing any evidence of DNA that specifically respond to the porphyromas gingivalis.

With this diagnostic tool, the presence of such bacteria can be identified in the oral cavity. This further suggests that early detection, including eradication, pay important roles in prophylaxis for this autoimmune disease.

Actually, a study was initiated by experts from the University of Connecticut Health Center such as Robert Clark and Frank Nichols. They started with this research in order to determine if such lipids can accentuate the immune-mediated impairment in this specific autoimmune sickness.

According to the findings of this study, the disease’s severity was enhanced whenever there were more these lipids. This concludes that the DHC’s which were phosphorylated from the said bacteria that are usually found in the body of humans can actually trigger, or in some cases, increase, the severity of multiple sclerosis.

Triggering factors

It is already a known fact that during an autoimmune attack, the own immune system attacks self tissues that could either be healthy or damaged. Either way, the immune system’s cells attack them all.

In the case of multiple sclerosis, the cells attack the protective covering of the nerves which is called the myelin. Apart from serving as protection, the myelin also aids in the proper transmission of signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

After proving that phosphorylated DHC’s from common bacteria found in humans can aggravate the process of this particular autoimmune system. Their next goal is to exemplify the effects of such DHC’s on the immune system’s cells. Also, they would like to identify exactly how the DHC’s are deposited in the tissues and exactly which tissues it prefers to be deposited in

They have also determined that phosphorylated DHC’s have a big potential to be the markers of multiple sclerosis’ disease process and also as the new targets when it comes to therapeutic intervention.