The emerging oral microbe-host axis in endometriosis: a systematic review of Fusobacterium nucleatum.

What was studied

This review asked if a mouth bacterium is linked to endometriosis. The bacterium is Fusobacterium nucleatum. It covered human and animal studies. The team searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar through August 31, 2026. The studies differed too much to pool. The findings were told in words.

What they found

Direct tissue evidence came from studies that disagreed. One reported more of the bacterium in women with endometriosis. Another found no significant case-control gap. Some indirect studies reported more oral Fusobacterium in moderate or severe endometriosis. All human studies had serious risk of bias. Certainty of evidence was very low.

What it means for patients

The authors say current evidence supports biological plausibility. It does not back a steady or causal link. This is between the bacterium and endometriosis.

Why it is not certain yet

Direct tissue evidence rests on studies that disagree. The lab finding on lesion growth came mainly from one study. It was not repeated. The authors say better sampling is needed. They say long-term studies are needed too. This is before cause can be shown.

Source

The emerging oral microbe-host axis in endometriosis: a systematic review of Fusobacterium nucleatum.

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