[Geographic aspects in the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis]

The Czech Republic is one of the countries with a high and heterogeneous prevalence of multiple sclerosis with the highest prevalence in the zone beneath the Ore Mountains (Krusné hory) and with a maximum in the territory of Teplice. The focus of the disease is consistent with the area with a generally higher health risk and polluted environment. The adverse exogenous component alters significantly immune mechanisms and participates in the provoking and trigger effect; however, its individual factors are difficult to identify as key or specific factors. It is assumed that global factors, long-term exposure and susceptibility of genetically predisposed subjects are involved.