Stability of the gut microbiota in persons with paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and related demyelinating diseases

Abstract

Objective: Examine if the gut microbiota composition changes across repeated samples in paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) or monophasic-acquired demyelinating syndromes (monoADS). Methods: A total of 36 individuals (18 MS/18 monoADS) with ⩾2 stool samples were included. Stool sample-derived DNA was sequenced. Alpha/beta diversities and genus-level taxa were analysed. Results: Mean ages at first sample procurement (MS/monoADS) = 18.0/13.8 years. Median time (months) between first/second samples = 11.2 and second/third = 10.3. Alpha/beta diversities did not differ between stool samples (p > 0.09), while one genus – Solobacterium did (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The gut microbiota composition in paediatric-onset MS and monoADS exhibited stability, suggesting that single stool sample procurement is a reasonable first approach.