The Fungal Gut Microbiota in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Mok Nelson, Knox Natalie C., Zhu Feng, Arnold Douglas L., Bar-Or Amit, Bernstein Charles Noah, Bonner Christine, Forbes Jessica D., Graham Morag, Marrie Ruth Ann, O’Mahony Julia, Yeh E. Ann, Zhao Yinshan, Van Domselaar Gary, Banwell Brenda, Waubant Emmanuelle, Tremlett Helen L.
Primary Institution: University of Manitoba
Hypothesis
What is the role of the gut mycobiota in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS)?
Conclusion
The study provides novel insights into the fungal gut mycobiota in POMS, suggesting a possible connection to diet and highlighting the importance of rare fungal markers.
Supporting Evidence
- The gut mycobiome of POMS participants may largely comprise fungi considered transient from the diet.
- Seven out of ten of the most abundant genera were similar among all three groups.
- The Agaricus genus was especially high in POMS participants, primarily due to Agaricus bisporus.
- Predictive modeling revealed fungi strongly associated with POMS participants.
- β-diversity showed significant differences between monoADS and POMS participants.
- Fungi like Candida albicans were identified as potential markers for POMS.
Takeaway
This study looked at the fungi in the poop of kids with multiple sclerosis and found some interesting differences compared to kids without the disease.
Methodology
The study used metataxonomic sequencing of stool samples from 46 participants, including those with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, monophasic acquired demyelinating syndromes, and unaffected controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and the exclusion of participants based on read quality.
Limitations
The study's sample size was modest, and participants were removed due to low-quality reads, which may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 18 POMS participants, 13 with monoADS, and 15 unaffected controls, with a mean age of 18.1 years for POMS.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.005 (adjusted)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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