Epstein–Barr virus and multiple sclerosis: association or causation?. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pakpoor, Julia; Giovannoni, Gavin; Ramagopalan, Sreeram V
• Is Part Of: Expert review of neurotherapeutics. Volume 13:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen -- Epstein–Barr virus -- infectious mononucleosis -- latitude -- multiple sclerosis -- seroprevalence -- temporality; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.7805
• DOI: 10.1586/ern.13.6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7175

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease in which both genetic and environmental factors and their interactions underlie causation. The current evidence base supports a strong association between Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and MS, but potential causality remains strongly debated. It is not possible to exclude the possibility that an abnormal response to EBV infection is a consequence, rather than a cause, of the underlying pathophysiology of MS, or indeed that the association may be a reflection of a similar underlying disease mechanism. Substantial experimental progress is necessary to achieve consistency of molecular findings to complement the strong epidemiological association between EBV and MS, which cannot alone show causation. Collectively, the strength of the association between EBV and MS warrants careful development and trial of anti-EBV drugs to observe any effect on MS disease course.