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Updated: Aug 7, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Changes in Gut Microbiota and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Alba Ordoñez-Rodriguez1, Pablo Roman2,3, Lola Rueda-Ruzafa2
1The Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital, 30120 Murcia, Spain.
Introduction:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease mediated by autoimmune reactions against myelin proteins and gangliosides in the grey and white matter of the brain and spinal cord. It is considered one of the most common neurological diseases of non-traumatic origin in young people, especially in women. Recent studies point to a possible association between MS and gut microbiota. Intestinal dysbiosis has been observed, as well as an alteration of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, although clinical data remain scarce and inconclusive.
Objective:
To conduct a systematic review on the relationship between gut microbiota and multiple sclerosis.
Method:
The systematic review was conducted in the first quarter of 2022. The articles included were selected and compiled from different electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Proquest, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The keywords used in the search were: "multiple sclerosis", "gut microbiota", and "microbiome".
Results:
12 articles were selected for the systematic review. Among the studies that analysed alpha and beta diversity, only three found significant differences with respect to the control. In terms of taxonomy, the data are contradictory, but confirm an alteration of the microbiota marked by a decrease in Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae, Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, Coprococcus, Butyricicoccus, Lachnospira, Dorea, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella and an increase in Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia, Blautia, and Ruminocococcus. As for short-chain fatty acids, in general, a decrease in short-chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, was observed.
Conclusions:
Gut microbiota dysbiosis was found in multiple sclerosis patients compared to controls. Most of the altered bacteria are short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing, which could explain the chronic inflammation that characterises this disease. Therefore, future studies should consider the characterisation and manipulation of the multiple sclerosis-associated microbiome as a focus of both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to gut microbiota changes, with reduced beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids observed. These alterations may drive chronic inflammation in MS, suggesting microbiome manipulation for future therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiome Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, neurodegenerative autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- MS is a leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults, particularly women.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between MS pathogenesis and the gut microbiota, though clinical data are limited.
Approach:
- A systematic review was conducted in Q1 2022 to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and MS.
- Literature search performed across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Proquest, Cochrane, and CINAHL using keywords: "multiple sclerosis", "gut microbiota", and "microbiome".
- 12 relevant articles were selected and analyzed for findings on microbial diversity, taxonomy, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in MS patients.
Key Points:
- The review identified significant alterations in gut microbiota composition in MS patients compared to healthy controls.
- Specific bacterial taxa showed decreased abundance (e.g., Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium) and increased abundance (e.g., Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia).
- A general reduction in SCFA-producing bacteria and SCFAs, particularly butyrate, was noted, potentially contributing to MS-related inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Gut dysbiosis is a consistent finding in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Alterations in SCFA-producing bacteria may play a role in the chronic inflammation characteristic of MS.
- Future research should focus on characterizing and manipulating the MS-associated microbiome for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
