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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
[Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Ecuador]
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Metropolitano, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador. fer_ramia@hotmail.com
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|July 21, 2010
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare in Ecuador, with prevalence rates of 5.05/100,000 in Quito and lower in Guayaquil and Cuenca. Further research is needed to understand potential environmental factors influencing MS in this equatorial region.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits a latitudinal gradient, being less common near the Equator and increasing with distance.
- Recent data on MS prevalence in Latin America is emerging, highlighting the need for country-specific information.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the three largest cities of Ecuador, a South American country situated on the Equator.
- To provide epidemiological data on MS in a region where it is considered less frequent.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study identified 159 MS patients in Quito (5.05/100,000), Guayaquil (2.26/100,000), and Cuenca (0.75/100,000).
- Prevalence rates indicate Ecuador is a low-prevalence country for MS, with significant variation between cities.
Impact:
- This study provides crucial baseline prevalence data for multiple sclerosis in Ecuador.
- Findings suggest potential underestimation of MS cases and highlight the need for population-based studies.
- The results may spur further investigation into exogenous factors influencing MS pathogenesis in equatorial regions.
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