Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In MS, the immune system damages the protective layer around nerves, called the myelin sheath.
This damage causes problems with movement, sensation, and other body functions. In the long run, MS can lead to serious disability or even death. Around 2.8 million people around the world live with MS.
Scientists have been studying MS for decades, but until recently, the exact cause of the disease remained unclear. Now, a major new study from Harvard University provides strong evidence that infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a key cause of MS.
EBV is a very common virus that infects about 95% of adults. It is best known for causing mononucleosis, often called “mono” or the “kissing disease.” After infection, the virus stays in the body for life, usually without causing symptoms.
For many years, researchers have suspected a connection between EBV and MS. However, it has been difficult to prove this link because EBV is so common and MS is relatively rare. Also, MS symptoms usually appear years after someone is infected with EBV, which makes it hard to study.
In this new study, scientists looked at the health records of more than 10 million young adults who served in the U.S. military. Among these people, 955 were diagnosed with MS during their time in service.
The researchers had access to blood samples that had been collected from these individuals every two years. This allowed them to track when each person was infected with EBV and compare it with the timing of their MS diagnosis.
The results were clear. People who were infected with EBV were 32 times more likely to develop MS compared to those who were not infected. Infection with other viruses did not show the same effect.
The scientists also looked at a marker in the blood called neurofilament light chain, which shows nerve damage. This marker only increased after EBV infection, not before. These findings make a strong case that EBV is a major cause of MS.
The researchers believe there are two main reasons why MS symptoms appear long after EBV infection. First, the early stages of MS are very subtle and hard to detect.
Second, it may take years for the immune system and the virus to interact in a way that leads to MS. The study authors also noted that none of the known risk factors for MS could explain the link with EBV.
This discovery has big implications. Right now, there are no good ways to prevent or treat EBV infection. But if scientists can develop a vaccine or antiviral drugs for EBV, they might be able to prevent MS or even cure it. This study highlights the need to focus more research on EBV and its role in diseases like MS.
The research, led by Dr. Alberto Ascherio, was published in the journal Science. It offers new hope for millions of people affected by MS and opens the door to new treatments and prevention strategies.
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