Multiple sclerosis care in Latin America.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) was historically considered rare in Latin America (LA), with early reports from Mexico indicating very low prevalence.
• The prevailing notion was that MS was uncommon in tropical and southern latitudes of the Americas.
• Latin America is characterized by a genetically complex and heterogeneous Mestizo population, resulting from centuries of intermixing between Native Amerindians, Europeans, and Africans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the historical understanding and epidemiological context of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Latin America (LA).
• To highlight the genetic complexity and ethnic diversity of the LA population in relation to MS.
• To note the apparent absence of MS in unmixed Amerindian populations within LA.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical prevalence data for MS in Mexico.
• Definition of the geopolitical and geographical scope of Latin America (LA).
• Description of the ethnic and genetic admixture of the LA population.

Main Results:

• Early reports suggested a very low prevalence of MS in Mexico, contributing to the belief it was rare in the region.
• Latin America encompasses a vast area with over 550 million people, characterized by significant genetic diversity.
• MS has not been identified in unmixed Amerindian populations in LA, a phenomenon requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• The historical perception of MS as rare in Latin America is challenged by the region's demographic and genetic complexity.
• Further research is needed to understand the epidemiological patterns of MS across diverse populations in Latin America.
• The absence of MS in unmixed Amerindian groups warrants specific investigation into potential genetic or environmental factors.