Study: Rheumatoid Arthritis May Be Stimulated by Intestinal Bacteria

The progression of rheumatoid arthritis could be stimulated by certain types of intestinal bacteria, according to the results of a new study.

Scientists from Turku University in Finland compared fecal samples from 25 early-stage rheumatoid arthritis patients with samples from 23 patients who did not have the disease, but suffered from non-inflammatory pain.

The study excluded patients who used immunosuppressive drugs, or who had taken antibiotics within the previous two months.

Researchers found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis had significantly less anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that doesn't need oxygen to live) than the control patients.

Dr. Paavo Toivanen, who presented the findings at the 2002 International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases, suggested that patients with less of these bacteria may have a weaker intestinal wall, which perhaps predisposes them to developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Past clinical studies have shown a relationship between changes in the intestinal flora (caused from dieting or fasting) and reduction of rheumatoid arthritis activity. Based on these findings, researchers have suggested that different types of bacteria -- and their end products -- could account for the development of rheumatoid arthritis in other parts of the body.

Other sources:International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases