Multiple sclerosis risk increased by Epstein-Barr virus
25 July 2011
Past infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may increase a person's risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) if they have certain genetic variations, Australian research shows. EBV is the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever).
In a study comparing a group of people with MS and a similar group without MS, researchers led by a team from the Australian National University found the presence of antibodies to EBV and a history of glandular fever was related to an increased risk of MS. This association is consistent with result of previous studies (Neurology 2011; 77: 371-9).
In addition, the researchers showed specific gene variations (HLA-DR15 or HLA-A genotype) increased the risk of a first demyelinating event - or episode of MS symptoms - about 20-fold.
"This work is really encouraging, as it starts to bring together the different risk factors that we know are involved in MS," lead author Associate Professor Robyn Lucas said.
"It points us in the right direction for further research to prevent and cure MS."
No evidence was found that a current EBV DNA load in the blood (which would indicate current EBV infection) increased demyelination in the brain and spinal cord - the cause of MS symptoms - and no evidence was found of an interaction with other risk factors such as vitamin D status or past sun exposure.
"Strengths of this multicentre study include recruitment of ... cases from study regions spanning a wide latitude range, the examination of a broad spectrum of environmental factors, and the measurement of EBV DNA and levels of 4 types of antibody specific to EBV," the authors said.
The research is part of the Ausimmune Study, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and charities. It involved nearly 300 people with MS aged 18-59 years and 550 controls (people without MS) matched with cases for age, sex and region.
Last Reviewed: 25 July 2011
- 1. Lucas RM, Ponsonby AL, Dear K, et al. Current and past Epstein-Barr virus infection in risk of initial CNS demyelination. Neurology 2011; 77: 371-9. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e318227062a. http://www.neurology.org/content/77/4/371.abstract (accessed Jul 2011).
