In:
Future Science OA, Future Science Ltd, Vol. 5, No. 5 ( 2019-06)
Abstract:
Within the last 5 years, international research collaborations including those of several research groups skilled in microbiology, immunology and pathophysiology, have identified a low-virulent intradiscal infection with the ability to provoke gradual and progressive disc degeneration, end-plate disruption, Modic changes and persistent clinical lower-back pain. Certain strains of the Propionibacterium acne bacterium seem able to invade, colonize and develop a protective biofilm inside the disc. The interaction of P. acne, disc tissues and mononuclear cells of the bone marrow are shown to trigger a relevant immunological response and an ensuing destructive inflammation of the disc and adjacent vertebrae. This process presents on MRI as Modic changes. Recent proof-of-concept data provide compelling evidence for this bacterial disc infection hypothesis.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2056-5623
DOI:
10.2144/fsoa-2019-0022
Language:
English
Publisher:
Future Science Ltd
Publication Date:
2019
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2863457-3
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