Researchers from Harvard University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system and impacts nearly 2.8 million people worldwide.
Although the exact cause of MS has puzzled scientists for decades, this new study provides strong evidence that the disease is closely linked to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
MS is a progressive condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
This damage disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body, leading to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and coordination problems.
Over time, MS can result in permanent disability. Despite years of research, there is no cure for MS, and its exact cause has remained unknown.
One of the leading suspects in the search for the cause of MS has been EBV, a common herpes virus. EBV is known for causing infectious mononucleosis, often called “mono” or the “kissing disease.” Once a person is infected, the virus remains in their body for life.
EBV is incredibly widespread, with around 95% of adults carrying it. However, while EBV is common, MS is rare, and symptoms of MS usually appear about a decade after EBV infection.
These factors have made it difficult for scientists to prove a direct link between the virus and the disease—until now.
To address this challenge, the Harvard team studied over 10 million young adults serving in the U.S. military. Among this group, 955 individuals were diagnosed with MS during their time in service.
The researchers analyzed blood samples taken every two years from these military personnel, examining whether they had been infected with EBV and how it related to the onset of MS.
The findings were striking. The risk of developing MS was 32 times higher after an individual became infected with EBV. This dramatic increase was not seen with other viruses, making EBV stand out as a likely cause.
Moreover, the researchers observed a rise in levels of a protein called neurofilament light chain in the blood of those who had been infected with EBV. This protein is a marker of nerve damage, which is a hallmark of MS.
The study suggests that EBV might trigger MS by altering the immune system, though symptoms may take years to become noticeable.
This delay could be due to the early stages of the disease going undetected or the complex interaction between the virus and the body’s immune response over time.
Currently, there is no way to fully prevent or eliminate EBV infections, but this research points to potential solutions.
Developing a vaccine against EBV or creating antiviral drugs that specifically target the virus could not only prevent MS but also lead to new treatments for those already affected by the disease.
These findings open the door to a better understanding of MS and give hope for future advancements in prevention and treatment. The study, published in the journal Science, was led by Dr. Alberto Ascherio and his team.
Their work underscores the importance of continued research into the causes of chronic diseases like MS and highlights the potential of targeting EBV to change the lives of millions.
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