Infection by a group of bacteria called Fusobacterium has been linked to endometriosis, a painful condition that affects women and girls of reproductive age. A study in Japan found that Fusobacterium was present in the uteruses of 64% of women with endometriosis compared to 7% of those without the condition. Treatment with antibiotics reduced the size and frequency of endometriotic lesions in mice infected with Fusobacterium. The findings suggest that the microbiome may play a role in endometriosis, which has limited treatment options. However, further research is needed to develop treatments based on these findings.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infection by Fusobacterium linked to endometriosis | Understanding endometriosis and treatment options | Improved treatments for endometriosis | Desire to find new therapies |
| More interest in the role of microbes in endometriosis | Shifting focus on the cause of endometriosis | Increased understanding of the microbiome’s role | Desire to find the cause of endometriosis |
| Antibiotics could potentially relieve endometriosis symptoms | Potential use of antibiotics as a treatment for endometriosis | Antibiotics as a treatment option for endometriosis | Desire to find relief for endometriosis symptoms |
| Need for more diverse research on endometriosis | Inclusion of diverse population in research on endometriosis | More inclusive and representative research on endometriosis | Desire for inclusive and representative research |
| Limited research models for endometriosis | Need for more extensive research in humans | Improved research models for endometriosis | Desire for better research models |
| Early stage of understanding the role of bacteria in endometriosis | Limited understanding of the role of bacteria in endometriosis | Increased understanding of the role of bacteria in endometriosis | Desire for increased understanding |