Herpes Simplex-Like Virus Could Cause Multiple Sclerosis

The Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus, a virus similar to herpes simplex, is one possible cause of multiple sclerosis, according to scientists at the University of Granada.

Scientists confirmed the findings by analyzing the presence of EBV in 75 patients with multiple sclerosis compared to samples from 76 healthy individuals. Researchers determined the presence of antibodies to EBV antigens showed a connection between EBV and multiple sclerosis.

Researchers also found a significant link between viral infection and multiple sclerosis that starts with the detection of markers that basically indicates a past infection.

Markers indicating recent infection or reactivation were considered irrelevant.

According to MedicalXpress.com, researcher Olivia del Carmen Santiago Puertas said the factors triggering the condition are not known but “studying them is important to try to develop a prevention method.” Puertas added that although the study found a link between viral infection markers and multiple sclerosis, to reach a definitive conclusion, “further research is needed with a significant number of patients that combine different microbiological techniques, where the different viral infection markers are recorded, and assessing patients’ clinical state even years before the onset of the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis.”

While other studies have tried to determine whether or not EBV is merely a risk factor in multiple sclerosis, researchers at the University of Granada conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies aimed at establishing an association between the two.

Descargar