A bit more research on Prevotella histicola reveals some interesting facts along with a real dilemma.
The interesting fact is that we have probably all got a population of Prevotella histicola in our mouths as:
"Prevotella histicola is found living in the dental plaque of the mouth. Dental plaque is simply the colonization of a microbial community on the teeth in the form of a biofilm. Dental plaque is thought to be beneficial to the host as it may aid in fighting off pathogens. It also may contribute to pathogenesis. More research is needed to draw more conclusions." (https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.ph ... _histicola
When it comes to taking supplements of Prevotella histicola, we may be up against a real dilemma. Taking Prevotella supplements may increase susceptibility to osteomyelitis (a painful condition of the bones accompanied by fever) but MAY have benefits for the immune system. The Wikipedia entry on Prevotella, incidentally, confirms just how many strains of this bacteria there are, and goes on to caution that:
"An overgrowth of Prevotella and a reduction of Lactobacillus have been correlated with the onset of Osteomyelitis in mice. The reduction of Prevotella in model mice led to an increase of Lactobacillus showing a protection effect against osteomyelitis. Thus, changes in the microbiota Prevotella may be related to the development of osteomyelitis." ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevotella
A diet high in fibre and low in meat and cholesterol will boost Prevotella without resorting to supplements. So maybe we are better off sticking with OMS and maximising our intake of dietary fibre while we wait for the researchers to fine tune their recommendations?
It is really exciting, though, that so much research is now being conducted into the role the different gut bacteria play. We may well come to look back on this period as a real game changer in health care!