ALSUntangled #66: antimycobacterial antibiotics.

Abstract

Several infections have been associated with motor neuron diseases resembling ALS, including species of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), most known for its probable etiologic association with Crohn’s disease, has been suggested as another possible infectious cause of motor neuron disease. Two published case reports describe the successful treatment of ALS-like symptoms with antimycobacterial antibiotics. Both cases had atypical features. Based on these, we believe it would be reasonable to begin performing chest imaging in PALS who have features of their history or exam that are atypical for ALS such as pain, fevers, or eye movement abnormalities. If the chest imaging is abnormal, more specific testing for mycobacteria may be indicated. Until there is more clear evidence of an association between mycobacteria and ALS, we cannot endorse the widespread use of potentially toxic antimycobacterial antibiotics for PALS.

Keywords:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• antimycobacterial antibiotic therapy
• infectious ALS
• motor neurone disease
• paratuberculosis

Declaration of interest

Richard Bedlack has research support from ALSA, Orion, MediciNova, and the Healey Center, and consulting support from AB Science, Alexion, ALSA, Amylyx, Biogen, Brainstorm Cell, Corcept, GenieUS, Guidepoint, ITF Pharma, Mallinkrodt, New Biotic, Orphazyme, and Woolsey Pharma. Other authors report no disclosures or conflicts of interest.

The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

ALSUntangled is sponsored by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association.