Endometriosis caused by Fusobacterium?

The bacterial genus Fusobacterium, implicated in diseases such as colon cancer and ulcerative colitis, has been found to contribute to the formation of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, develops outside the uterus, often generating intense pelvic pain. It can also cause lesions on reproductive organs and is associated with low fertility. Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan found Fusobacterium in the uteri of approximately 64% of 155 women with endometriosis, and only 7% of those without the condition.

To investigate whether Fusobacterium is directly involved in the formation of endometriosis, the team transplanted endometrial tissue from a set of mice into the abdominal cavity of host mice. The latter developed more abundant and larger lesions when previously inoculated with Fusobacterium. Antibiotic therapy with metronidazole and chloramphenicol, administered vaginally decreased the development of endometriosis as well as the number and size of the lesions.

A clinical trial is currently underway in women suffering from endometriosis to assess whether the antibiotic therapy could alleviate some of their symptoms. Although this study is very promising, further studies need to be carried out on women from different regions and ethic groups.