[Risk factors for multiple sclerosis in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with complex etiology.
• Understanding regional risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
• The Kabardino-Balkar Republic (KBR) presents a unique demographic for MS research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific risk factors associated with the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) within the Kabardino-Balkar Republic (KBR).
• To identify environmental and infectious agents potentially contributing to MS incidence in the region.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 5-year follow-up data (2012-2015) for MS patients in Nalchik and Prokhladnensky districts.
• Diagnosis of MS confirmed using McDonald criteria (2010, 2017).
• Assessment of disease severity with the EDSS scale and risk factor registration via a unified questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Residents of the Prokhladnensky district showed significantly higher exposure to chemical compounds, consumption of smoked meats, and a history of viral infections (p<0.05).
• MS patients reported higher incidences of scarlatina, particularly after age 15 (p=0.041).
• Chickenpox was more common in MS patients (p=0.032), with a notable association when contracted at age 7 (p=0.041).

Conclusions:

• Environmental exposures and specific viral infections, including scarlatina and chickenpox, are significantly associated with MS development in the KBR.
• The Prokhladnensky district appears to have a higher burden of MS-associated risk factors.
• Early-life chickenpox infection may be a critical factor in MS pathogenesis in this population.