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Multiple sclerosis after infectious mononucleosis

Trine Rasmussen Nielsen1, Klaus Rostgaard, Nete Munk Nielsen

  • 1Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. trn@ssi.dk

Archives of Neurology
|January 11, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Infectious mononucleosis significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This elevated risk persists for over 30 years, irrespective of patient sex, age, or infection severity.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, commonly known as infectious mononucleosis, is linked to an elevated risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Characteristics of the association between infectious mononucleosis and MS risk remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of sex, age at infection, time since infection, and attained age on the risk of developing MS post-infectious mononucleosis.
  • To quantify the long-term risk of MS following infectious mononucleosis.

Main Methods:

  • A large cohort study involving 25,234 individuals tested for infectious mononucleosis in Denmark.
  • Utilized national registries for patient data, including the Danish Civil Registration System and the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry.
  • Followed the cohort from 1968 to 1996, calculating standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for MS cases.

Main Results:

  • A 2.27-fold increased risk of MS (SIR = 2.27) was observed in individuals with a history of infectious mononucleosis.
  • The heightened risk of MS persisted for over 30 years post-infection.
  • No significant variation in MS risk was found across different sexes, age groups, or based on the presumed severity of infectious mononucleosis.

Conclusions:

  • Prior infectious mononucleosis is a significant risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis.
  • The increased risk of MS following infectious mononucleosis is consistent across various demographic factors and persists long-term.
  • This association underscores the importance of understanding EBV's role in MS pathogenesis.

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