Summary
Emerging research is showing correlation with Clostridium (and the toxins produced by Clostridium species) and multiple sclerosis. Patients with chronic CNS lesions also have elevations in Clostridium species in stool tests. Clostridium perfringens produces Epsilon Toxin (one of toxin type B and D) that damages cell walls, elevates blood pressure, increases contractility of smooth muscle, increases vascular permeability, and brain and lung edema. This toxin has also been linked to colitis.
Indication
This suggests that MS is less of a diagnosis and more of very progressed symptom. The human body has the innate intelligence to heal. I would be curious about addressing the Clostridium overgrowth and supporting the body to repair the damage. I believe this focused functional intervention would positively reverse MS presentation to a degree. What degree? We don't know until we either try or conduct research surround this approach.
Final Thoughts
As always, correlation does not equal causation. However, with the known neurological, cellular, and CNS effects of Clostridia and its toxins, addressing this overgrowth could positively influence MS diagnosis.
Staying true to Functional Medicine principals, the questions don't stop there. Even if Clostridia is connected to MS, what allowed the Clostridia species to proliferate in the first place? Why wasn't the immune system able to address the overgrowth on its own? Is there another, possibly larger, burdening infection present that is also contributing to the progression of MS? Thorough investigation with focused and functional lab analysis answers these questions and provides better direction.
Source
NIH PubMed reference:
Clostridium epsilon toxin is excessive in multiple sclerosis and provokes multifocal lesions in mouse models - PMC (nih.gov)
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