Clostridium perfringens linked to multiple sclerosis

[greybeard]

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/foodborne ... 2D12006668

......Most cases of C. perfringens food poisoning in people are caused by the A strain of the bacteria, one of five types. The B and D types, which produce the epsilon toxin, have rarely been seen in people. But last year, Weill Cornell researchers reported that they’d discovered the B strain in a 21-year-old MS patient, proving infection was possible.

They also examined banked blood and spinal fluid samples from MS patients and healthy controls and found that the MS patients were 10 times more likely to show evidence of antibodies signaling they’d previously been exposed to the epsilon toxin.

If the link with MS is proven, it’s possible that a vaccine or drug or probiotic treatment could be developed to destroy the C. perfringens B and D bacteria, which make the toxin, Vartanian has said.

Don't we already have vaccines that prevent types C.perfringens B & D baceria? How difficult can it be to make one for humans?

COVEXIN® 8
Intervet/Merck Animal Health
Clostridium Chauvoei-Septicum-Haemolyticum-Novyi-Tetani-Perfringens Types C & D Bacterin-Toxoid
For Animal Use Only
INDICATIONS: For the vaccination of healthy cattle and sheep as an aid in the prevention of diseases caused by Clostridium chauvoei, C. septicum, C. novyi Type B, C. haemolyticum (known also as C. novyi Type D), C. tetani and C. perfringens Types C and D.
Immunity is also provided as an aid in the prevention of diseases caused by the beta and epsilon toxins of an additional organism, C. perfringens Type B. Although C. perfringens Type B is not a significant problem in North America (US), immunity is derived from a combination of Type C (beta) and Type D (epsilon) C. perfringens fractions.