Bacteria Implicated as Possible Cause and Treatment Target for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a poorly understood condition that can take years to diagnose and has limited treatment options.
The studies found higher levels of Fusobacterium bacteria in women with endometriosis versus those without the condition.
Fusobacterium may activate a signaling pathway involved in endometriosis development and injecting it into mice led to endometriosis-like lesions.
Antibiotic treatment reduced lesions in mice, suggesting it may help treat endometriosis in humans.
The findings point to the need for improved diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the mechanisms driving this painful condition.