ABSTRACT Background and Aims Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The etiology of MS is complex, involving a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Mounting evidence suggests that dysbiosis significantly impacts the progression of MS mainly through its direct effects upon the immune system. Given the vital connection between the gut microbiota and immune health, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases, this review aims to summarize the existing knowledge regarding alterations in the gut microbiota among MS patients, with a focus on microbiota‐based therapeutic approaches. Methods A detailed literature review was carried out to gather contemporary evidence on dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in MS patients. Furthermore, studies dealing with the modification of gut microbiota for therapeutic applications in MS have been included. Results A distinct variation in specific bacterial phyla, orders, families, and genera, as well as metabolites, was found in MS patients. Exploring therapeutic options such as antibiotics, probiotics, dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation, phage therapy, and helminth therapy may present valuable opportunities for gut microbiota modification in MS treatment. Conclusion Altering the gut microbiota in patients with MS may serve as a potentially effective treatment strategy. Nevertheless, future research should prioritize the standardization of these therapies. Finally, it is imperative that researchers concentrate on large‐scale studies or trials to scrutinize the practical relevance of these therapeutic options.
Memariani et al. (Mon,) studied this question.