Science: First 'convincing' causal evidence for major causes of MS

Multiple sclerosis is likely caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, according to a study led by researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health

Their findings were published on the website of the journal Science

"We and other researchers have been studying EBV in multiple scleroderma for many years," said Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that attacks the myelin sheath that protects neurons in the brain and spinal cord

The team analyzed serum samples collected by the military every two years and determined the soldier's Epstein-Barr virus status at the time of the first sampling, as well as the relationship between Epstein-Barr virus infection and the onset of MS during active duty

Ascherio said the delay between EBV infection and the onset of MS may be partly because disease symptoms go undetected in the early stages and partly because of the evolutionary relationship between EBV and the host immune system, which backfires when the latent virus is reactivated be stimulated

"There is currently no effective way to prevent or treat Epstein-Barr virus infection, but an Epstein-virus vaccine or targeting the virus with an Epstein-virus-specific antiviral drug may ultimately prevent or cure MS,

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