H.pylori is a bacterium that resides in the gut and over time can contribute to ulcers or stomach cancer. Senior researcher Dr. Allan Kermode explained, “Helicobacter is typically acquired in childhood and correlates directly with hygiene.”
Although the association between multiple sclerosis and H.pylori isn’t clear, the researchers suggest it adds further evidence to the fact that developing infections early on in life could reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis later on. This could also explain why multiple sclerosis is often seen in developed countries where the level of hygiene standards is high.
There is currently a hygiene hypothesis attempting to explain the onset of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks itself, but why this occurs has long been unclear. The theory suggests, when individuals are exposed to infections, their immune systems remain in disease-fighting mode. Thus, if a person is not exposed to infections, their immune system may not know when to attack.
Kermode continued, “In the last 100 years, the prevalence of MS has increased markedly, and the majority of this increase has occurred in women. The fact that over the same period, prevalence of helicobacter in western countries has declined markedly is a tantalizing observation.”
The study is still in its early stage, and additional research is required to better understand the association. Furthermore, future studies should enroll more men as well to see if the link is gender-specific.
Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms in women
Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men – in fact, women are three times more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than men. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis in women.
- Muscle symptoms: spasms, numbness, balance problems, difficulty moving arms and legs, difficulty walking, weakness or tremor
- Eye symptoms: vision loss (partial or complete), pain when moving eyes, double vision, blurred vision, involuntary eye movements, generalized eye discomfort
- Bowel and bladder changes: difficulty starting urinations, frequent urge to urinate, bladder infections, urine or stool leakage, constipation, diarrhea
- Numbness or pain
- Trouble with speech or swallowing
- Effects on brain and nerves: depression, hearing loss, loss of emotional control, dizziness, balance problems, vertigo
- Sexual problems: decrease in sex drive, reduced genital sensation, fewer and less intense orgasms, reduced vaginal lubrication