A research group from Helsinki University named the strains of a bacteria called Desulfovibrio as a likely cause of Parkinson’s disease, according to an article originally published in the scientific journal Frontier in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
Despite more than 200 years of research, the development of Parkinson’s disease has remained a mystery. However, researchers at Helsinki University claim they have found the key, adding that genes play only a minor role.
The study, conducted in a group that included Parkinson’s patients and healthy individuals, may also pave the way for preventing the disease or at least potentially alleviating and slowing its symptoms. The carriers of Desulfovibrio can be screened, and the bacteria can be removed from the gut.
”The disease is primarily caused by environmental factors, that is, environmental exposure to the Desulfovibrio bacterial strains that cause Parkinson’s disease. Only a small share, or roughly 10%, of Parkinson’s disease, is caused by individual genes,” said Professor Per Saris in a University of Helsinki press release.
Parkinson’s disease deteriorates part of the brain and affects muscle control, balance and movement. There are also effects on the senses, mental health and thinking ability. It is more common among men and usually starts around 60. At least 1% of people older than 60 suffer from the disease worldwide, according to experts’ estimates.
(Pekka Vänttinen | EURACTIV.com)
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