Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disorder of the spine and the sacroiliac joints that can cause severe, chronic pain and stiffness. It is a type of autoimmune disease, which means it occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. The exact cause of AS is unknown, but experts believe that certain bacteria may play a role in triggering the condition.
One particular type of bacteria that has been linked to AS is Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is part of the normal flora in the human intestine, but has been found to produce a toxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is known to activate the immune system in people with AS. Studies have shown that LPS can cause inflammation and tissue damage in the spine, as well as activating immune cells that produce inflammatory cytokines. In addition, this bacterium has been found to be more prevalent in people with AS than in healthy individuals.
Other bacteria that may be involved in the cause of AS include Chlamydia, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus species. These bacteria have been found to produce toxins that cause inflammation, and have been linked to the development of AS in both animal studies and human studies.
In conclusion, although the exact cause of AS remains unknown, research suggests that certain bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Chlamydia, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus species, may be involved in triggering the condition.