INFLAMMATION caused by common infections has been linked to the permanent neurological condition of multiple sclerosis.
They said that inflammation outside the brain – such as that caused by the common cold and urinary tract infections (UTIs) – was linked to the progression of the sometimes devastating disease of the brain and spinal cord.
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Professor Ian Galea, neurologist and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our results build on decades of research showing that inflammation causes nerve cell loss in the laboratory.
“We have now shown a link between inflammation and cell loss in the spinal cord in humans.”
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by the immune system, which usually protects the body against infections, mistakenly attacking nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
Over time, this leads to nerve loss, causing MS to progress.
The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, affecting the way people move, think and feel.
Symptoms tend to vary between people, but can include fatigue, pain, vision problems and mobility problems.
More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, with 135 diagnosed each week, according to MS Society.
Most people are diagnosed in their 30s or 40s, but it can affect people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and genders.
Animal research has shown that inflammation outside the brain can exacerbate disease progression, so researchers wanted to see if this happens in people with MS.
Previous research has also found that infections can sometimes trigger an MS relapse or temporarily worsen symptoms.
Led by the University of Southampton and Southampton University Hospital, the study followed 50 people living with progressive forms of MS for two and a half years.
They measured inflammation in the participants’ bodies by collecting weekly urine samples.
They found that inflammation – which can be caused by infections such as colds, flu and urinary tract infections – is associated with the loss of nerve cells in the spinal cord, a major underlying cause of MS progression.
The researchers said the study’s findings could spur the development of new treatments for the disease.
Prof Galea said: “In the futureLaboratory research could help us understand what is happening at a molecular level when this inflammation happens – which could perhaps help us develop new drug treatments.”
He added: “The results of this study suggest that it is important for people with MS to minimize inflammation whenever possible.
“This includes receiving all recommended vaccinations and seeking immediate attention for bladder infections.
“Following a healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial, as factors such as smoking, alcohol and obesity are linked to inflammation.
“And as healthcare professionals we can also help by talking about these things with our patients so they have the facts they need.”
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Symptoms of MS vary between people and there is no typical pattern that applies to everyone.
One of the most obvious early signs of MS is a vision problem.
It is often easier to identify than more vague neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Numbness and tingling
- Loss of balance and dizziness
- Stiffness or spasms
- Tremor
- Pain
- Bladder problems
- Intestinal problems
- Vision problems
- Problems with memory and thinking
Source: Sociedade MS
One of the study participants, Richard Humpston, 43, from Portsmouth, was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2014.
Its symptoms include difficulty walking and bladder problems.
“I was later told that there was some evidence that I had urinary tract infections during the study,” he said.
“The results of this trial highlighted how vital it is for me to stay hydrated to avoid this type of infection in the future.
“And it also makes me realize how important it is to know the signs and symptoms of a UTI and to seek help as soon as possible for any infection.”
He hoped that involvement in research would broaden understanding of MS.
“When I was first diagnosed, there were no disease-modifying treatments (DMT) for people with my type of MS, but now I’m taking a licensed DMT that has improved my life – thanks to the research we’ve already made so much progress,” he said. Richard.
Dr Clare Walton, head of research at the MS Society, responded to the research findings by saying: “This study gives us vital insight into the relationship between inflammation outside the brain and the progression of MS.
“We know that bladder infections in particular are very common in the 150,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in the UK.
“This research highlights how important it is for people with MS to recognize symptoms and seek help early for UTIs, and to get all the vaccines for which they are eligible.
“The findings also demonstrate the need for access to good, timely primary care, with family doctors who understand the risk of infections and progression of MS.
“And we need to see better waiting times for specialist services like urology for people with multiple sclerosis with urinary problems and repeat UTIs.”
What is a UTI?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by E.coli bacteria – found in feces – entering the urinary tract.
The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra).
Women are more likely than men to get UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men.
This means the bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
According to the NHS, things that increase the risk of bacteria entering the bladder include:
- Having sex
- Pregnancy
- Conditions that block the urinary tract – such as kidney stones
- conditions that make it difficult to completely empty the bladder – such as an enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children
- Urinary catheters (a tube in the bladder used to drain urine)
- Having a weakened immune system – for example, people with diabetes or people undergoing chemotherapy
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not keeping the genital area clean and dry
Check if it is a UTI
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
- Needing to pee more often than usual
- Needing to pee more frequently than usual at night (nocturia)
- Needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
- Pee that looks cloudy
- Blood in your pee
- Pain in the lower belly or back, just below the ribs
- High temperature or feeling hot and chilly
- A very low temperature below 36C
Your pee may also be dark or smell bad. If this is your only symptom, it may be because you haven’t been drinking enough water.
What to do if you think you have a UTI
If you think you have UTI symptoms, speak to your doctor to discuss treatment options.
Most people will need antibiotics.
Some people may be prescribed a “delayed antibiotic,” meaning they will only be asked to use it if their symptoms do not go away after a certain period of time.
If you keep getting UTIs, your doctor may recommend that you take a low dose of antibiotics for a long period of time or refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment.
For women who have gone through menopause, there is evidence that vaginal estrogen creams can reduce UTI symptoms.
Source: SNS
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