Infectious mononucleosis and multiple sclerosis - Updated review on associated risk
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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
1Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom.
Background:
There has been substantial evidence accumulating on the role of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and the subsequent risk of obtaining Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Up to date studies not previously explored were reviewed by the author to further clarify the association.
Methods:
Medline and Web of Science were searched with no time constraints for articles exploring an association between Multiple Sclerosis and Infectious Mononucleosis. 24 articles were found, totalling 1063 cases and 13,227 cohort/controls.
Results:
23/24 (96%) articles reported a significant association of Infectious Mononucleosis on the risk of subsequent multiple sclerosis.
Discussion:
Overall, new literature on IM and risk of MS categorically supports the association. Future work should focus on other risk factors such as age and gender on IM and subsequent risk of MS.
Insights
Infectious mononucleosis (IM) significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This review of recent studies confirms a strong link between IM and subsequent MS diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests a link between infectious mononucleosis (IM) and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Previous studies have not comprehensively reviewed the most recent literature on this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize current research on the association between IM and the risk of developing MS.
- To clarify the strength and consistency of the evidence supporting this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Medline and Web of Science databases.
- The search included articles with no time constraints, identifying 24 relevant studies.
- The reviewed articles encompassed a total of 1063 cases and 13,227 cohort/control participants.
Main Results:
- A significant association between infectious mononucleosis and the subsequent risk of multiple sclerosis was reported in 96% (23/24) of the reviewed articles.
- The findings indicate a consistent and strong link between prior IM infection and MS development.
Conclusions:
- Current scientific literature strongly supports a definitive association between IM and an elevated risk of MS.
- Future research should investigate the influence of demographic factors like age and gender on the IM-MS risk relationship.
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