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Oral Bacteria Linked to Worsening Multiple Sclerosis Disability, Study Finds

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals a strong link between the oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum and worsening disability in multiple sclerosis patients. High levels of this bacteria, associated with severe gum disease, were connected to about a ten-fold higher odds of severe disability. Researchers suggest the bacterium may act as a "bridge," linking chronic oral inflammation to neurological damage. This finding opens new avenues for understanding MS progression and developing potential preventive strategies focused on oral health.

Key Points: Gum Disease Bacteria May Worsen MS Disability

  • Oral bacteria linked to MS severity
  • Ten-fold higher odds of severe disability
  • Chronic inflammation as a key mechanism
  • Potential for new preventive strategies
2 min read

Oral bacterium may worsen disability in multiple sclerosis patients: Study

A new study finds a specific oral bacterium is associated with a ten-fold higher odds of severe disability in multiple sclerosis patients.

"Fusobacterium nucleatum may act as a hidden 'bridge bacterium'... potentially linking oral inflammation to neurological disability. - Masahiro Nakamori, Hiroshima University Hospital"

New Delhi, Dec 30

Abundance of severe gum disease -- periodontitis -- may worsen disability for people with multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.

Previous studies have shown that periodontitis may contribute to central nervous system disorders through chronic inflammation. However, its role in multiple sclerosis has been unclear.

The new research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that high levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum -- a bacterium found in the mouth -- were associated with about ten-fold higher odds of severe disability in multiple sclerosis patients.

"While the gut microbiome has been extensively investigated in multiple sclerosis, the potential involvement of the oral microbiome has remained largely unexplored. Because the oral cavity is a major source of chronic inflammation and represents a potentially modifiable factor, clarifying its relationship with multiple sclerosis severity is important for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new preventive strategies," said Masahiro Nakamori, an associate professor and lecturer at Hiroshima University Hospital.

The team noted that nearly two-thirds (61.5 per cent) of multiple sclerosis patients with a high relative abundance of Fusobacterium nucleatum fell into the moderate-to-severe disability range, compared with roughly one-fifth (18.6 per cent) of those with milder disease.

No such association was observed in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. MS patients with both Fusobacterium nucleatum and at least one other periodontal pathogen showed even higher disability.

"Fusobacterium nucleatum may act as a hidden 'bridge bacterium' -- not only bridging bacterial communities in dental biofilms, but also potentially linking oral inflammation to neurological disability," said Nakamori.

MS is a central inflammatory demyelinating disease that targets the myelin sheath, the protective layer that wraps around some nerve cells.

While the specific cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown, viral infections, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, and genetic predispositions are thought to be possible contributing factors.

The team now hopes to conduct larger, multi-center studies to validate the association between oral bacteria and multiple sclerosis severity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Ten-fold higher odds? That's staggering. My aunt has MS, and her condition worsened significantly a few years back. Looking back, she did have terrible gum problems she neglected. This connection needs more awareness in our healthcare messaging.
D
David E
As someone with a science background, the "bridge bacterium" concept is fascinating. Chronic inflammation is a killer. If something as simple as better dental care can improve outcomes for MS patients, that's a relatively low-cost intervention with potentially huge benefits.
A
Anjali F
While the study is promising, I hope people don't jump to conclusions. Correlation doesn't always mean causation. The article rightly says larger studies are needed. We must support this research but not spread panic among MS patients about their gum health just yet.
K
Karthik V
Another reason to floss! 😅 Seriously though, in our busy lives, dental check-ups are the first thing we skip. This study shows everything in our body is connected. Jai Hind to more such integrative medical research.
S
Sarah B
The focus has always been on the gut microbiome. It's interesting to see the oral cavity getting attention. I wonder if regular dental cleanings could become a standard part of managing MS? Would be a simple add-on to treatment plans.

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