Tyzzerella nexilis, PANS and the Gut–Brain Connection
The gut and brain are connected in powerful ways, and research into the microbiome is uncovering links between specific bacteria and neuroinflammatory conditions. One bacterium that has recently attracted attention is Tyzzerella nexilis, a member of the Lachnospiraceae family.
While some bacteria in this family are beneficial, Tyzzerella nexilis has been associated with inflammation and disruption of the gut–brain axis. Its presence has been linked not only to Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) but also to autoimmune conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In both cases, the common thread is immune dysfunction and inflammation in the brain’s basal ganglia, a region that plays a key role in movement, mood, and behaviour.
How Tyzzerella nexilis Affects the Body
When present in higher levels, Tyzzerella nexilis can:
- Produce inflammatory by-products that weaken the gut lining and increase “leaky gut.”
- Allow toxins and metabolites to pass into the bloodstream, fuelling systemic inflammation.
- Amplify immune activation, which in children with PANS may worsen obsessive-compulsive behaviours, motor tics, and emotional dysregulation.
- Contribute to neuroinflammation in the basal ganglia, impacting mood, behaviour, and neurological function.
In MS, similar mechanisms are seen, where gut-driven immune dysfunction can drive inflammation in the central nervous system, worsening symptoms and disease progression.
How It Is Detected
Tyzzerella nexilis is identified through advanced microbiome stool testing . These tests can measure its presence and abundance compared to a healthy microbiome, while also providing insights into gut inflammation, immune activation, and gut lining integrity. This makes them an important tool in uncovering the root cause of persistent neuroinflammatory symptoms.
How We Address It
The goal isn’t to wipe out Tyzzerella nexilis, but to rebalance the microbiome and reduce its influence by crowding it out with healthier species. This can be achieved by:
Encouraging Beneficial Bacteria
- Introducing targeted probiotics (such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum) and beneficial yeasts like Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Supporting butyrate-producing bacteria (like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila) with a diet rich in fibre and polyphenols.
- Adding prebiotic foods such as resistant starches, apples, pears, berries, and green tea to nourish the “good” microbes.
🌿 Using Selective Herbal Medicine
- Gentle, targeted botanicals to reduce populations of pro-inflammatory bacteria.
- Polyphenol-rich herbs like pomegranate husk and green tea catechins can inhibit harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial species.
- Soothing herbs including licorice root and slippery elm protect and repair the gut lining as balance is restored.
Why This Matters for PANS and MS
For children with PANS, reducing Tyzzerella nexilis can help:
- Lower systemic and neuroinflammation.
- Reduce immune system over-activation.
- Support the basal ganglia and ease symptoms such as tics, OCD behaviours, and emotional dysregulation.
For individuals with MS, addressing microbiome imbalances including T. nexilis may help reduce inflammatory burden, protect brain tissue, and improve resilience.
The Takeaway
The presence of Tyzzerella nexilis in a microbiome test may be a clue to hidden inflammation driving neurological symptoms. By using a combination of dietary strategies, probiotics, and targeted herbal medicine, it is possible to restore microbial balance and reduce the inflammatory load on the brain and immune system.
At Healthy Kids Naturally, we use microbiome testing to uncover these underlying imbalances and create tailored treatment plans to support children and adults struggling with conditions like PANS and autoimmune-driven inflammation.
If you would like to discuss your children’s health book a free 15 min discovery call with Jean