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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Is there any relationship between streptococcal infection and multiple sclerosis?
Aynur Eren Topkaya1, Sevki Sahin, Fehime Benli Aksungar
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
Past group A streptococcal infections may be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Higher antideoxyribonuclease B (ADNase B) levels were found in MS patients, suggesting a potential role for streptococci in MS development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease with unknown causes.
- Research into the role of infectious agents in inducing autoimmunity is ongoing, but streptococcal infections remain understudied in relation to MS.
- Understanding potential triggers for autoimmune diseases like MS is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between past group A streptococcal infections and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To determine if specific antibodies related to streptococcal infections are elevated in individuals with MS compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Nephelometric assay was used to measure antistreptolysin O (ASO) and antideoxyribonuclease B (ADNase B) antibody levels.
- The study included 21 patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS and 21 healthy blood donors as a control group.
- Antibody levels were compared between the MS patient group and the healthy control group.
Main Results:
- Patients with MS exhibited significantly higher levels of antideoxyribonuclease B (ADNase B) compared to the control group (p<0.001).
- Antistreptolysin O (ASO) levels did not show a significant difference between the MS patients and the healthy controls.
- The elevated ADNase B levels suggest a potential link between past group A streptococcal exposure and MS.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a possible relationship between streptococcal infections and multiple sclerosis.
- Further research, including studies with animal models, is necessary to elucidate the precise role of group A streptococci in the pathogenesis of MS.
- Investigating the immunological response to streptococcal infections may provide insights into the autoimmune mechanisms underlying MS.
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