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Updated: May 23, 2026
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
The role of Acinetobacter in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis examined by using Popper sequences
Alan Ebringer1, Taha Rashid, Clyde Wilson
1Analytical Sciences Group, King's College London, UK. alan.ebringer@kcl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological disorder. The role of 'Acinetobacter' has been examined using the method of Karl Popper and involves nine "Popper sequences". (1) The frequency of MS increases with latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, and the reverse is found in the Southern Hemisphere. (2) Sinusitis is found frequently at colder latitudes. (3) Sinusitis occurs frequently in patients with MS. (4) Specific sequences of bovine myelin when injected into experimental animals will produce a neurological disorder resembling MS which is called "experimental allergic encephalomyelitis". (5) Computer analysis of myelin shows molecular mimicry with sequences found in Acinetobacter. (6) Antibodies to Acinetobacter bacteria are found in MS patients. (7) Acinetobacter bacteria are located on human skin and in the nasal sinuses. (8) IgA antibodies are preferentially elevated in the sera of MS patients, thereby suggesting the trigger microbe is acting across a mucosal surface probably located in the nasal sinuses. (9) Only Acinetobacter bacteria and no other microbes evoke statistically significant titres of antibodies in MS patients. These nine Popper sequences suggest that MS is most probably caused by infections with Acinetobacter bacteria in the nasal sinuses, and this could have therapeutic implications.
Insights
This study suggests Acinetobacter bacteria in nasal sinuses may cause multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune neurological disorder. Identifying this trigger could lead to new MS treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological disorder with unknown etiology.
- Geographic distribution of MS suggests environmental factors may play a role.
- Sinusitis is frequently observed in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Acinetobacter bacteria in the development of multiple sclerosis.
- To explore the hypothesis that Acinetobacter infection in nasal sinuses could trigger MS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nine "Popper sequences" to systematically evaluate the association between Acinetobacter and MS.
- Analyzed molecular mimicry between bovine myelin and Acinetobacter sequences using computer analysis.
- Assessed antibody titers against Acinetobacter in MS patients and control groups.
Main Results:
- Observed correlations between MS prevalence, latitude, and sinusitis.
- Demonstrated molecular mimicry between myelin and Acinetobacter.
- Found elevated antibodies to Acinetobacter, particularly IgA, in MS patients.
- Identified Acinetobacter as the only microbe eliciting statistically significant antibody responses in MS patients.
Conclusions:
- The findings strongly suggest Acinetobacter infection in nasal sinuses as a probable cause of multiple sclerosis.
- This etiological link has potential therapeutic implications for MS treatment.
