Multiple sclerosis and distemper in Iceland 1966-1978

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• A canine distemper epidemic occurred in Iceland in 1966-1967.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
• Potential environmental triggers for MS are actively researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between canine distemper virus exposure and the onset of MS in Icelandic patients.
• To analyze changes in MS incidence and age of onset following the 1966-1967 epidemic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of MS patient records in Iceland.
• Assessing dog contact and geographical exposure during the 1966-1967 canine distemper epidemic.
• Comparing MS incidence and age of onset before and after the epidemic.

Main Results:

• 35 of 36 MS patients reported close dog contact prior to illness onset.
• 34 MS patients were in the affected epidemic area during 1966-1967.
• A significant decrease in the average age of MS onset was observed after 1966.
• Increased MS incidence was noted following earlier distemper epidemics in 1921-1922 and 1941-1942.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a possible correlation between canine distemper virus exposure and the development of MS.
• The observed decrease in age of onset is consistent with exposure to an infectious agent.
• Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship.