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Epstein-Barr Virus and MS:Causality or Association?

Sk Ludwin1, S Jacobson

  • 1Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6 Tel: +1 613 533 2818 Fax: +1 613 533 2907

International MS Journal
|June 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease with multifactorial causes. Research suggests the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a potential infectious agent contributing to MS aetiology, supported by sero-epidemiological data.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology remains incompletely understood, with numerous theories proposed.
  • Epidemiological studies have long suggested an infectious cause for MS.
  • The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been investigated as a potential factor in MS development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence implicating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To explore the complex and multifactorial nature of MS causation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing epidemiological data linking EBV and MS.
  • Examination of the known pathogenic effects of EBV in other contexts.

Main Results:

  • Sero-epidemiological evidence strongly suggests a link between EBV infection and MS.
  • EBV is capable of causing neurological manifestations in other conditions.

Conclusions:

  • The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a significant candidate pathogen in multiple sclerosis (MS) aetiology.
  • MS is a multifactorial disease where EBV likely plays a crucial role.

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