According to a new American study, infection with the Epstein-Barr virus increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis by 32.
Around 95% of the world’s population is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): this virus, which belongs to the family of Herpesviridae, is transmitted mainly through the saliva. It is responsible for several pathologies, including infectious mononucleosis (the famous “kissing disease”) and certain cancers – the Epstein-Barr virus has notably been associated with certain Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
According to a new study from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health (in the United States), the Epstein-Barr virus is also linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). The American researchers (who published their work in the specialized journal Science) consider that EBV would be necessary for the development of the disease.
Multiple sclerosis: the risk multiplied by 32 if you are infected with EBV
To reach this conclusion, the scientists followed for 20 years more than 10 million young soldiers; of these, 955 were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The researchers observed that the risk of contracting multiple sclerosis was multiplied by 32 in the event of infection by the Epstein-Barr virus.
It is “the first study providing convincing evidence of causation“between the Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis, believe the researchers who add that”This is an important step, as it suggests that most cases of multiple sclerosis could be prevented by stopping Epstein-Barr virus infection. (…) Targeting this virus could lead to the discovery of a cure.“
In France, about 110,000 people are affected by multiple sclerosis: this autoimmune disease which affects the central nervous system can cause motor disorders (and reduce walking, for example), sensitivity disorders (tingling. ..), visual disturbances (loss of visual acuity)…
Source :Inserm
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