A common virus likely contributes to causing a serious, progressive, and sometimes disabling disease. That sounds scary. But there’s actually hope in the news. The discovery may help scientists find ways to keep people from developing multiple sclerosis (MS).
Multiple sclerosis occurs when immune system cells mistakenly attack the protective coating called myelin on nerve fibers. MS can cause muscle weakness, numbness, paralysis, and vision problems.
The Epstein-Barr virus has long been suspected of playing a role in development of MS. But that’s hard to prove. Just about everybody gets infected with Epstein-Barr, usually as kids or young adults. The virus is best known for causing “mono” (infectious mononucleosis), though it often occurs with no symptoms. Only a tiny fraction of people infected with Epstein-Barr will ever develop MS. But for those few who do, the disease can be life-altering.
Now Harvard researchers have reported one of the largest studies yet to back the theory that connects Epstein-Barr to MS. They tracked blood samples stored from more than 10 million people in the U.S. military. Their findings? The risk of MS increased 32-fold after Epstein-Barr infection.
The researchers checked samples stored from 1993 to 2013. They were looking for antibodies in the blood signaling whether an individual had ever had an Epstein-Barr infection.
Just 5.3% of recruits showed no sign of Epstein-Barr when they joined the military. The researchers compared 801 MS cases diagnosed over the 20-year period with 1,566 service members who never got MS.
Only one of the MS patients had no evidence of the Epstein-Barr virus prior to diagnosis. And the researchers found no evidence that other viral infections played a role.
The findings “strongly suggest” that Epstein-Barr infection is a cause of MS, says study author Dr. Alberto Ascherio.
But if you’ve ever had the Epstein-Barr virus, don’t worry. The virus could be the initial trigger. But other factors must be involved, such as genes that may make people more vulnerable. About 90% of adults have antibodies showing they’ve had Epstein-Barr. But only about one million people in the U.S. are living with MS. That’s less than 0.004% of the current adult population.
The new study is “the strongest evidence to date that Epstein-Barr contributes to cause MS,” says Mark Allegretta. He is vice president for research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
And that, he adds, “opens the door to potentially prevent MS by preventing Epstein-Barr infection.”
Efforts are underway to develop Epstein-Barr vaccines. Perhaps one day, a simple shot like those many people receive to prevent polio, meningitis, pertussis, and other illnesses could protect people from MS.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. — 3 John 1:2
Why? God knows every detail of how we work, yet much is still a mystery even to scientists. Humans study His creation—including our own bodies—to bring mercy to situations that cause suffering.
Pray for wisdom for researchers and those working to help MS patients. Thank God for His mercy in giving us medical treatments.
