Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system affecting 2.8 million people worldwide, attacks the myelin sheathes that protect nerve cells, which can disrupt the flow of information between the brain and body. MS often leads to a progressive loss of function of the affected nerve cells that can lead to severe disability and even death.
In a study released on January 13th, Harvard researchers provided compelling evidence that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes mono (infectious mononucleosis), and which affects 95 % of adults, may be the cause of MS. According to Alberto Ascherio, lead author of the study, “most cases of MS could be prevented by stopping EBV infections.” He continues, “Currently there is no way to effectively prevent or treat EBV infection, but an EBV vaccine or targeting the virus with EBV-specific antiviral drugs could ultimately prevent or cure MS.”
The researchers studied more than 10 million young American adults on active military duty and identified 955 who were diagnosed with MS during their service. By analyzing samples taken from the military members every other year, the study showed that the risk of developing MS increased 32-fold after infection with EBV.
This study opens up promising avenues of research that could lead to the cure for MS that has so far eluded the medical community.