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Multiple sclerosis in black South Africans and Zimbabweans
G Dean1, A I Bhigjee, P L Bill
1Medico-Social Research Board, Dublin, Ireland.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Multiple sclerosis is uncommon in indigenous African black populations. This study identified 12 black patients in Southern Africa with multiple sclerosis, noting unique clinical presentations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is historically considered rare in indigenous black populations of Africa.
- Limited case reports exist, with the first documented black patient in South Africa identified in 1987.
Observation:
- A continued search identified 12 black patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Southern Africa (7 in South Africa, 5 in Zimbabwe).
- A significant proportion (6 of 12) experienced severe optic neuritis, leading to blindness or near-blindness.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation in these black patients differed from that observed in white populations in Southern Africa.
- The disease characteristics in these patients more closely resembled MS cases reported in oriental populations.
Implications:
- These findings challenge the traditional understanding of MS epidemiology and presentation.
- Further research is needed to explore genetic and environmental factors influencing MS in diverse populations.