Prevalence of epsilon toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens isolates among patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Iran
Our findings indicate a potential association between ETX-producing C. perfringens strains and MS/NMOSD diseases, as its presence was detected in a subset of patient samples. However, no significant differences in anti-ETX antibody levels were observed between control and patients. Our prediction models highlighted key demographic and serological factors that may contribute to MS diagnosis. These results highlight the need for further research to meticulously decipher the biological interplay of C. perfringens and its ETX toxin with the development of MS and NMOSD.
Authors
- Mohammad Reza Zali (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9027-4560)
- Fatemeh Gholami (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6299-4827)
- Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-1431)
- Abbas Yadegar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2135-7581)
- Hamideh Raeisi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8334-4180)
- Sara Hamtaeigashti
- Masoumeh Azimirad
- Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8598-0911)
Institutions
- Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (IR)
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Neurology
- Published
- 2025-05-31
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-025-04251-z
- Primary Topic
- Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
- Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases