Gut Bacteria Found to Drive Lupus Flare-ups

Recurrent flare-ups of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease, were found to be closely associated with increased growth of the gut bacterium Ruminococcus blautia gnavus. A study conducted by NYU Grossman School of Medicine revealed that the bacterial blooms of R. gnavus occurred simultaneously with disease flare-ups in five out of 16 women with lupus. The research also identified 34 genes linked to the bacterium's growth in people with inflammation. The study suggests that bacterial imbalances may trigger inherited genetic factors responsible for lupus. The findings highlight the potential for developing new treatments that target gut bacteria to prevent or treat lupus flares.