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Multiple sclerosis and common viral infections in Iceland
Abstract:
Sero-epidemiological studies on a few common virus infections, including measles, rubella, mumps and varicella-zoster, were carried out on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls matched for age, sex, and residences since birth. The frequency of antibodies against measles was significantly higher in the MS patients. Where measles preceded the onset of MS, the time interval varied from 3 to 32 years. In two cases, known MS patients contracted measles 9 and 3 years after their onset of MS. Furthermore, three MS patients were vaccinated against measles as adults. Two of these took part in a WHO measles vaccine trial in 1962, 18 and 6 years after the onset of MS. Both of them were seronegative prior to vaccination.
Insights
This study found a higher frequency of measles antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to controls. Measles infection may be linked to MS onset, with intervals ranging from 3 to 32 years.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with an unknown etiology.
- Common viral infections are suspected as potential triggers for MS.
- Previous research has explored links between various viruses and MS development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between common viral infections and multiple sclerosis.
- To compare the serological status of MS patients and matched controls for specific viral antibodies.
- To explore potential temporal relationships between viral infections and MS onset.
Main Methods:
- Sero-epidemiological study comparing MS patients and age/sex/residence-matched controls.
- Assessed antibody frequencies for measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella-zoster viruses.
- Analyzed time intervals between documented measles infection and MS onset.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher frequency of measles antibodies observed in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Measles infection preceded MS onset in a majority of cases, with intervals ranging from 3 to 32 years.
- Two MS patients contracted measles years after MS onset; two vaccinated MS patients were seronegative prior to vaccination.
Conclusions:
- A higher prevalence of measles antibodies suggests a potential link between measles virus and multiple sclerosis.
- The findings support further investigation into measles as a potential contributing factor in MS pathogenesis.
- The role of measles vaccination in relation to MS requires additional study.