Multiple myeloma is cancer in the plasma cells, which are part of the immune system; and is diagnosed by the presence of M-proteins in the blood and urine. The plasma cells multiply, crowd bone marrow, and produce large amounts of abnormal proteins—in particular, “M-proteins”. Streptococcus and mycoplasma are known to have M-proteins attached to the surface (although other pathogens also have or impact M-proteins). An immune system attack against the pathogen can cause M-proteins to be released into the body and broken into fragments.
M-proteins are also found in Heinrich-Schoen Purpura (HSP) (kidney damage), IgA vasculitis (blood vessel damage), and rheumatic fever (heart damage). HSP, and IgA vasculitis are frequently preceded by a throat or respiratory infection; and are caused by streptococcus type-M and/or mycoplasma. Rheumatic fever is caused by an untreated or under-treated streptococcus infection. Patients with multiple myeloma are at risk for developing respiratory and systemic streptococcal infections; and for developing kidney and vessel damage.
The method by which the immune system attacks pathogens with M-proteins, a diagnosis of multiple myeloma based on M-proteins in the blood and urine, and other diseases involving M-proteins, suggest investigation into whether streptococcus type-M, mycoplasma, and/or other immortal pathogens have infected plasma cells, and evolved into multiple myeloma.
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