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Understand the gut's role in Parkinson's Disease, and which bacteria are key players according to the latest research.
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Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions worldwide, with incidences expected to rise with increasing global life expectancy.
Over the past few years, studies have identified specific bacterial groups associated with Parkinson’s Disease, with some literature suggesting they may even be causal agents.
Based on this growing body of evidence, Cervco has developed a test to quantify these bacteria. We believe our test may be a valuable tool for clinicians in their efforts to better understand and manage Parkinson’s Disease.
Our test quantifies a bacteria called Desulfovibrio. This bacteria is particularly interesting to researchers; one reason is its ability to produce hydrogen sulfide, which can induce alpha-synuclein aggregation (1).
In a study conducted in 2021, the quantity of Desulfovibrio was found to be associated with PD and disease severity (2).
In a subsequent study, researchers fed nematodes Desulfovibrio bacteria to determine whether it would induce alpha-synuclein aggregation.
The study revealed that Desulfovibrio was capable of causing alpha-synuclein aggregation in the nematodes, and that Desulfovibrio extracted from individuals with Parkinson’s had a particularly high propensity to induce these aggregations (3). This study supports the hypothesis that Desulfovibrio is not only associated with PD but may also play a causal role.Our test measures the total amount of Desulfovibrio in an individual’s stool.
Based on current evidence, we believe that high levels of Desulfovibrio may increase the risk of developing PD and that individuals with PD may experience therapeutic benefits from reducing their Desulfovibrio levels.
1. Hydrogen Sulfide Produced by Gut Bacteria May Induce Parkinson Disease. MDPI, 2022
2. Desulfovibrio Bacteria Are Associated With Parkinson’s Disease. Frontiers, 2021
3. Desulfovibrio bacteria enhance alpha-synuclein aggregation in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Parkinson’s disease. Frontiers, 2023
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In addition to testing for Desulfovibrio, we also test for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is found in higher abundance in individuals with PD and is correlated with more severe symptoms (4,5).
H. pylori has been shown to interfere with Levodopa absorption, and its eradication has been associated with improvements in PD motor symptoms (6,7). Some researchers also suggest that H. pylori may play a more direct role in the pathogenesis of PD through the production of cholesterol glucosides and cytotoxins, though research in this area is still in its early stages.
Blood tests for H. pylori antibodies are commercially available; however, these tests can remain positive for years after eradication, making them unreliable for assessing current H. pylori infection or treatment success. Another available test is the Urea Breath Test, but it can be costly and may yield false positives due to the presence of other urease-producing bacteria in the mouth and intestines.
Our lab uses Droplet-Digital PCR (ddPCR), which provides absolute quantification, enabling physicians to accurately determine whether H. pylori levels have been reduced or eradicated following antibiotic treatment.
4. Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with worse severity of Parkinson's disease. Elsevier, 2015
5. Association of Helicobacter pylori with Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Clinical Neurology, 2017
6. Helicobacter pylori eradication and l-dopa absorption in patients with PD and motor fluctuations. Neurology, 2006
7. Helicobacter pylori eradication improves motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s disease patients: A prospective cohort study. PLOS, 2021
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