Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Intestinal Bacteria
 (Atlanta, Reuters Health, 3/26/02)

Researchers at Turku University in Finland found less bacteria belonging to the Bacteroides, Prevotella and Porphyromonas families in the fecal samples of patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in samples from patients who suffered from non-inflammatory pain. The researchers speculate that these bacteria may help maintain a strong intestinal barrier and that in their absence, a compromised intestinal wall may play a role in allowing the body's immune system to attack its own joint tissues.