A Japanese study brings hope in the fight against endometriosis, a disease affecting one in ten women and some of the symptoms of which are abdominal and pelvic pain.
The researchers analyzed the bacteria present in the gastrointestinal and vaginal environments of 155 women. They found that Fusobacterium grew in 64% of women with endometriosis, compared to just 7% in women without the condition. Tests on mice have also confirmed the link between this bacteria and endometriosis. After treating the mice with antibiotics, the symptoms subsided within 21 days.
However, clinical tests in women have yet to be carried out to confirm these results and there are further questions regarding treatment with antibiotics. Despite these limitations, this study marks a step forward in endometriosis research.
Pascal Lemontel
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