Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 20, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

11.2K

Season of infectious mononucleosis as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis: A UK primary care case-control study

Christina Downham1, Elizabeth Visser2, Mark Vickers3

  • 1Department of Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom.

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|October 23, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) increases multiple sclerosis (MS) risk, but the season of IM infection does not affect MS development. This study found no link between winter IM and higher MS risk compared to summer IM.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infectious mononucleosis (IM) and vitamin D deficiency are identified risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The potential impact of seasonal variations in vitamin D levels on MS risk following IM is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether IM during winter, a period of lower vitamin D levels, poses a greater risk for developing MS compared to IM during summer.
  • To analyze the association between the timing of IM infection and subsequent MS diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study utilizing a large UK primary care database.
  • Matched 9247 MS cases (aged 16-60) with up to six controls.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the odds of prior IM exposure and seasonal influence.

Main Results:

  • Infectious mononucleosis (IM) was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) (OR 1.77).
  • No statistically significant difference in MS risk was observed between IM acquired in winter versus summer (OR 1.09).

Conclusions:

  • The findings indicate that while IM is a risk factor for MS, the season in which IM occurs does not appear to modify this risk.
  • Further research may explore other environmental or genetic factors influencing MS development post-IM.
Keywords:
Case-control studiesInfectious mononucleosisMultiple sclerosisRisk factorsSeasons

More Related Videos

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

2.9K
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice05:44

Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice

Published on: October 13, 2023

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
14.0K
Factors Affecting Illness01:18

Factors Affecting Illness

When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
5.5K
Primary Lymphoid Organs01:16

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
16.1K
Principles of Disease Surveillance01:26

Principles of Disease Surveillance

Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
609
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
2.0K