Scientists at the University of Helsinki have discovered bacteria strains that likely trigger the majority of Parkinson’s disease cases, according to new peer-reviewed research published this month.
The study makes it possible to screen for the ‘carriers of the Desulfovibrio strains’ and for its removal from the gut, an intervention that could prevent Parkinson’s disease.
“Our findings are significant, as the cause of Parkinson’s disease has gone unknown despite attempts to identify it throughout the last two centuries,” says Professor Per Saris from the University of Helsinki.
He added: “Our findings make it possible to screen for the carriers of these harmful bacteria. Consequently, they can be targeted by measures to remove these strains from the gut, potentially alleviating and slowing the symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s disease.”
