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Posted on Oct 11, 2002, 6 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Scientists from Johns Hopkins University have found evidence to suggest that women who are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis, in their teen may be at an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Study results showed that women who had been infected with the virus were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with MS compared to those who were free of EBV infection.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins University have found evidence to suggest that women who are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis, in their teen may be at an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Study results showed that women who had been infected with the virus were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with MS compared to those who were free of EBV infection. Although it remains unclear as to why EBV infection appears to increase the risk of developing MS, lead study author Dr Miguel A Hernan speculates that a component of the virus may trigger an immune reaction, which may also trigger the disease.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Epidemiology 2001; 12:301-306
