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Correlation of mollicutes and their viruses with multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases

James S Brown1

  • 1McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, USA. jbrown2185@aol.com

Medical Hypotheses
|February 28, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study explores the link between tick-borne diseases, specifically mollicutes, and multiple sclerosis (MS). It suggests these infections may trigger MS and could potentially be treated with gold salts and tetracyclines.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Geographical correlation suggests a link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and tick-borne diseases.
  • Mollicutes, a class of bacteria including mycoplasmas and spiroplasmas, are identified as potential tick-borne infectious agents.
  • Previous research explored the geographical overlap between MS and tick-borne disease distributions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting the hypothesis that mollicutes or their viruses are an initial trigger for MS.
  • To explore potential therapeutic interventions for MS based on mollicute infection.
  • To guide future research into the role of mycoplasmas in MS etiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on MS geographical distribution and infectious agents.
  • Analysis of evidence linking mollicutes, particularly spiroplasmas, and their viruses to MS.
  • Examination of potential treatments for mollicute infections.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests mollicutes, especially spiroplasmas, or their viruses may be the initial cause of MS.
  • Mollicute infections and their toxins show potential for treatment or prevention with gold salts or tetracyclines.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is warranted to confirm the role of mycoplasmas in MS.
  • If a causal link is established, evaluating MS treatment with gold and tetracycline is recommended.
  • This review highlights a potential novel etiological agent and therapeutic strategy for MS.

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