Fungus considered a major factor in Crohn’s disease

Fungus considered a major factor in Crohn’s disease
A fungus as the key factor in the development of Crohn's disease.

The three were found to work together (with the E. coli cells fusing to the fungal cells and S. marcescens forming a bridge connecting the microbes) to produce a biofilm — a thin, slimy layer of microorganisms found in the body that adheres to, among other sites, a portion of the intestines — which can prompt inflammation that results in the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. This is first time any fungus has been linked to Crohn’s in humans. Previously it was only found in mice with the disease, the researchers noted.  The study also found associations of the new bacterium – S. marcescens in the Crohn’s-linked bacteriome. Additionally, the presence of beneficial bacteria were found to be significantly lower in the patients with Crohn’s disease. ‘Among hundreds of bacterial and fungal species inhabiting the intestines, it is telling that the three we identified were so highly correlated in Crohn’s patients,’ Ghannoum said. (Read: 4 natural remedies for Crohn’s disease)

For the study, published in the journal mBio , the team assessed the mycobiome and bacteriome of patients with Crohn’s disease and their Crohn’s-free first degree relatives in nine families in northern France and Belgium, and in Crohn’s-free individuals from four families living in the same geographic area. The presence of all ‘three’ in the sick family members was significantly higher compared to their healthy relatives, suggesting that the bacteria and fungus interact in the intestines.  ‘Our study can result in a new generation of treatments, including medications and probiotics, which hold the potential for making qualitative and quantitative differences in the lives of people suffering from Crohn’s disease,’ Ghannoum concluded. (Read: Scientists identify genetic link that might lead to treatment of Crohn’s disease)

Source: IANS

Image source: Shutterstock

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