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Multiple sclerosis and age at infection with common viruses
M A Hernán1, S M Zhang, L Lipworth
1Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)
|May 5, 2001
Summary
Infectious mononucleosis, a marker of late Epstein-Barr virus infection, is linked to increased multiple sclerosis risk. Late measles or mumps infections may also elevate risk in women.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- Previous studies suggested links between childhood viral illnesses and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk.
- Infectious mononucleosis and canine distemper virus exposure were hypothesized risk factors for MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between common viral diseases, canine distemper virus exposure, and multiple sclerosis risk.
- To examine the role of age at infection and birth order in multiple sclerosis development.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study within the Nurses' Health Study and Nurses' Health Study II cohorts.
- Data collected via questionnaire on viral disease history, age at diagnosis, and birth order.
- 301 multiple sclerosis cases and matched controls were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Infectious mononucleosis showed a moderate association with increased MS risk (OR=2.1).
- Mumps (OR=2.3) and measles (OR=2.8) after age 15 were associated with higher MS risk.
- No significant association found for canine distemper virus exposure or birth order.
Conclusions:
- Infectious mononucleosis, indicating late Epstein-Barr virus infection, is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis.
- Late adolescent or adult infections with measles and mumps may also increase multiple sclerosis risk.
- Further research into late viral infections and MS pathogenesis is warranted.