MS

Is There a Virus Link?

Young adults, whose immune systems react strongly when exposed to a common germ, may run a higher risk of developing the disease later in life, a new report has revealed.

While three other studies have linked the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), (which often causes mononucleosis or mono) to the disease, new findings provide stronger evidence of a connection, said the report released recently.

The study, which was conducted by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California, involved individuals with Multiple Sclerosis who had given blood samples earlier in life when they were about 32 years of age.

The samples, which had been stored at cold temperatures, were compared to those of others in the same health plan that did not have the disease.

The researchers found that the levels of anti-EBV antibodies in the blood of the patients collected 15 years earlier were significantly higher than the levels in those who did not go on to develop the disease.

Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to fight infections.

The study said that perhaps 96% of Americans have been exposed to the virus by the time they reach age 40.

Hereditary and environmental factors are believed to play a role in developing Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic degenerative disease in which the body attacks its own central nervous system and that can cause paralysis.

Collectively the results of this and previous studies show compelling evidence that infection with the virus is a risk factor in the development of Multiple Sclerosis.

Hope for treatment.

"Again, collectively, the results of this and the previous studies provide compelling evidence that infection with the virus is a risk factor in the development of this central nervous system disease," said Alberto Ascherio, a senior author of the study and associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health.

The report was published in the Archives of Neurology.

"Discovering strong risk factors is an important initial step in finding ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent the disease," Ascherio said.

"A focused multi-disciplinary effort is now needed to complete the puzzle and thus open the door to new therapeutic approaches."

P.S. I have a vested interest in the search of a cure as my mother passed away several years ago from this disease.

Marilyn and I will report updates and findings at this site as they are available.