Common infections like colds and UTIs linked to lifelong brain and spinal cord condition
INFLAMMATION caused by common infections has been linked to the lifelong neurological condition multiple sclerosis.
They said 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 brain and spinal cord condition.
Professor Ian Galea, a neurologist and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our results build on decades of research showing inflammation causes nerve cell loss in the laboratory.
“Now we’ve shown a connection between inflammation and loss of cells in the spinal cord in humans.”
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by immune system, which usually protects the body from infection, mistakenly attacking nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
Over time, this leads to the loss of nerves, causing MS to progress.
The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel.
Symptoms tend to vary between people, but can include fatigue, pain, vision problems and mobility issues.
Over 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.
Research in animals has shown that inflammation outside the brain can exacerbate the disease’s progression, so researchers wanted to understand whether this happens in people with MS.
Previous research has also found that infections can sometimes trigger a relapse of MS or make symptoms temporarily worse.
Led by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, 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 taking weekly urine samples.
They found that inflammation – which can be caused by infections like colds, flu and UTIs – is linked with the loss of nerve cells in the spinal cord, a major underlying cause of MS progression.
Researchers said the study’s findings could spur on the development of new treatments for the disease.
Prof Galea said: “In the future, lab research could help us understand what’s going on 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 it is important for people with MS to minimise inflammation where they can.
“This includes receiving all recommended vaccinations and seeking prompt attention for bladder infections.
“Following a healthy lifestyle could also be beneficial, as factors like smoking, alcohol and obesity are linked to inflammation.
“And as health care professionals we can help too, by talking about these things with our patients so they have the facts they need.”
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
SYMPTOMS of MS will vary between people and there's no typical pattern that applies to everyone.
One of the more obvious first signs of MS is a problem with vision.
It’s often easier to pinpoint than vaguer neurological symptoms like 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
- Bowel trouble
- Vision problems
- Problems with memory and thinking
Source: MS Society
One of the study’s participants, Richard Humpston, 43, from Portsmouth, was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2014.
His symptoms include difficulty with walking and bladder issues.
“I was told afterwards that there was some evidence that I had urine infections during the study,” he said.
“The results of this trial have highlighted how vital it is for me to stay hydrated to avoid this type of infection in future
“And it also makes me realise how important it is to know the signs and symptoms of having a UTI, and to get help as soon as possible for any infection.”
He hoped getting involved in the research would broaden understanding of MS.
“When I was first diagnosed there was no disease modifying treatments (DMTs) at all for people with my type of MS, but now I’m on a licensed DMT which has improved my life – thanks to research we’ve already made so much progress,” Richard said.
Dr Clare Walton, head of research at MS Society, responded to the research results by saying: “This study gives us vital insight into the relationship between inflammation outside the brain and MS progression.
“We know that bladder infections in particular are very common for the 150,000 people who live with MS in the UK.
“This research highlights how important it is for people with MS to recognise the symptoms and seek help early for urinary infections, and to take up any vaccinations they are eligible for.
“The findings also demonstrate the need for access to good and timely primary care, with GPs who understand the risk of infections and MS progression.
“And we need to see improved waiting times for specialist services like urology for people with MS experiencing urinary problems and repeat UTIs.”
What is a UTI?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by E.coli bacteria – found in poo – 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 pick up UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men.
This means 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 getting into the bladder include:
- Having sex
- Pregnancy
- Conditions that block the urinary tract – such as kidney stones
- conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder – such as an enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children
- Urinary catheters (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine)
- Having a weakened immune system – for example, people with diabetes or people having chemotherapy
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not keeping the genital area clean and dry
Check if it’s a UTI
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:
- Pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
- Needing to pee more often than usual
- Needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
- Needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
- Pee that looks cloudy
- Blood in your pee
- Lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
- A high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- A very low temperature below 36C
Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you’ve not been drinking enough water.
What to do if you think you have a UTI
If you think you have UTI symptoms, you should speak to your GP to discuss treatment options.
Most people will need antibiotics.
Some people may be prescribed a ‘delayed antibiotic’, meaning they’ll be asked only to use it if their symptoms don’t go away after a certain amount of time.
If you keep getting UTIs, your GP might recommend you have a low dose of antibiotics over a long period of time or refer you to a specialist for more tests and treatments.
For women who have gone through menopause, there is evidence that vaginal oestrogen creams can reduce UTI symptoms.
Source: NHS