Herpes virus as the main cause of multiple sclerosis?
Around 95 percent of all people become infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, which comes from the herpes family, in the course of their lives – most of them in childhood. In the vast majority of cases, however, the infection proceeds largely without symptoms. An American research team has now shown that the infection can have long-term consequences. For the first time, the team proved the already suspected connection between an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus and the development of multiple sclerosis.
Researchers from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health examined the link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The working group showed in a large group of participants that the risk of developing MS increases 32-fold following infection with EBV. The results were recently published in the renowned journal “Science” presents.
First proof of link between MS and EBV
MS is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects approximately 2.8 million people worldwide. It is characteristic of the clinical picture that the so-called myelin sheaths are attacked. This is a layer that protects nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord.
There is currently no definitive cure for MS. So far, it has also been unclear how the disease develops. “The hypothesis that EBV causes MS has been explored by our group and others for several years, but this is the first study to provide compelling evidence of causality,” stresses Professor Alberto Ascherio from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
Step towards curing MS
“This is a big step because the results suggest that most MS cases might be prevented by interrupting EBV infection and that targeting EBV might lead to the discovery of a cure for MS,” concludes the scientist .
Difficult proof
EBV has been a top suspect among potential triggers for MS for years. The Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the herpes virus family. It can trigger a latent infection in sufferers that lasts for life. Since around 95 percent of all adults are infected with EBV, it has been extremely difficult to show a clear link between the virus and MS, partly because the first MS symptoms only appear around ten years following EBV infection.
Analyzed data from ten million soldiers
To investigate the link between EBV and MS, the working group conducted a study among more than 10 million young adults in active US military service. Among all the participants, the researchers found 955 people who were diagnosed with MS while on duty.
The team analyzed serum samples taken from the participants every two years by the military. In this way, a connection between an EBV infection and the occurrence of MS might be verified.
EBV might be the main cause of MS
The analysis shows that the risk of developing MS following infection with EBV increased by a factor of 32. However, as the serum samples also showed, infection with other viruses did not increase the risk of MS. According to the working group, this association cannot be explained by known MS risk factors, suggesting that EBV itself is a major cause of MS.
“Currently there is no way to effectively prevent or treat EBV infection, but an EBV vaccine or targeting the virus with EBV-specific antiviral drugs might ultimately prevent or cure MS,” concludes Professor Ascherio.
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Diploma-Editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Epstein-Barr virus may be leading cause of multiple sclerosis (veröffentlicht: 13.01.2022), hsph.harvard.edu
- Kjetil Bjornevik, Marianna Cortese, Alberto Ascherio, et al.: Longitudinal analysis reveals high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus associated with multiple sclerosis; in: Science, 2022., science.org
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
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