A study has shown a link between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis. Consequently, one of the tools for the prevention of an incurable neurodegenerative disorder appears.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative condition characterized by thinning of the myelin sheath of nerves. There is an assumption that the disease can be provoked by a viral infection. In turn, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpes virus that lives inside the host all its life and often does not cause any consequences. Its latent form is detected in B-lymphocytes. The vast majority of infections do not lead to MS, but the etymology of multiple sclerosis is unknown.
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Some pathological studies have shown the presence of the virus in demyelinating lesions of MS and elevated levels of serum antibodies against EBV core antigens (EBNA) in patients with multiple sclerosis. A new study involving a large number of US military personnel has found that out of 801 cases of multiple sclerosis, only one occurred in a person who previously tested negative for EBV. These analyzes were collected approximately one year prior to the onset of MS. Evidence obtained for the hypothesis that EBV infection is a cause rather than a consequence of MS.
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Therefore, a therapy that directly targets is needed to reduce the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis for the Epstein-Barr virus. In addition, MS could be added to the list of diseases targeted by the EBV vaccine to accelerate research in this area. (READ MORE)