[A case-control study of multiple sclerosis in Alcoi]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents significant epidemiological variations globally.
• The Alcoi health district exhibits a higher incidence of MS than expected based on latitude.
• An analytical study is needed to identify contributing factors to this localized MS prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an analytical study to determine factors influencing the elevated incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Alcoi health district.
• To investigate potential environmental and lifestyle correlations with MS development.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed, matching 37 MS patients with 148 controls.
• Controls were selected based on age, sex, and residence, randomly chosen from the census.
• Data collection included socio-educational level, birth order, blood group, habits, family history, infections, and environmental exposures.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in socio-educational level, birth order, blood group, toxic habits, or family history.
• Increased frequency of urinary infections before age 15, and cystitis/pneumonia post-15, were observed in MS patients.
• Significant correlations emerged with contact with textiles, finished textile products, dogs, and a higher prevalence of immigrants among MS patients.

Conclusions:

• The study identified potential correlations between multiple sclerosis (MS) and environmental factors including textiles and dogs.
• Urinary tract infections and immigrant status were also associated with increased MS risk in the Alcoi region.
• Further research controlling for immigration is recommended to validate these findings.