MS May Stem from Epstein-Barr Virus, Harvard Study Reveals

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Science. ADVERTISEMENT “The hypothesis that EBV causes MS has been investigated by our group and others for several years, but this is the first study providing compelling evidence of causality,” said Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Chan School and senior author of the study. “This is a big step because it suggests that most MS cases could be prevented by stopping EBV infection, and that targeting EBV could lead to the discovery of a cure for MS.” ADVERTISEMENT Multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin sheaths protecting neurons in the spinal cord and brain.

When the immune system attacks these nerve fibers and protective coverings, it leads to inflammation. This alters electrical signals in the brain, disrupting communication between the brain and body.Scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause of MS, but believe EBV is a likely culprit.

Epstein-Barr, a herpes virus, can cause highly infectious mononucleosis and lies dormant throughout the host’s lifetime.So far, it’s been difficult to determine a causal relationship between EBV and MS for several reasons.