Scientists hope this study—which strongly links multiple sclerosis with Epstein-Barr virus—will spur the development of a vaccine against EBV.
One hundred and fifty years after a French neurologist first recognized a case of multiple sclerosis in a young woman with an unusual tremor, the cause of this devastating disease remains elusive. Now, a study that combed data from regular blood tests of 10 million U.S. soldiers has found the strongest evidence yet that infection with a common virus, Epstein-Barr virus , dramatically increases a person’s chances of developing the rare disease.
MS develops when immune cells go awry and attack the myelin sheaths that insulate nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. The result is vision problems, pain, weakness, and numbness that can come and go, but worsen over time. Infusions of antibodies that deplete B cells, a type of white blood cell, can curb relapses. But the disease has no cure.
Eventually, 955 soldiers developed MS. Of the 801 with sufficient blood samples, 35 were negative for EBV in their first blood test; all but one became EBV positive during the study before developing MS on average 5 years later. By comparison, only half of 107 MS-free study participants used as controls became EBV positive during the same period, the researchers report today in, comparable to the increase in risk of getting lung cancer from heavy smoking, Ascherio says.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Hail, fire and drought: Colorado behind only Kansas in spike of major disasters past 20 yearsColorado over the past 20 years has suffered more “major” natural disasters than Florida and is among nine states where the number of events causing $1 billion or more in damage has mor…
Consulte Mais informação »
Doctors suggest adenovirus link to child hepatitis casesUK child hepatitis cases rise to 108, with a common virus increasingly likely to be the trigger.
Consulte Mais informação »
Hepatitis Emerges in Children in the U.K. and U.S., Without a Clear SourceResearchers are studying a mysterious spate of hepatitis cases among children in the U.K., the U.S. and Europe, with a possible link to the viruses that cause the common cold and Covid-19
Consulte Mais informação »
Covid: Woman caught virus twice within record 20 daysSpanish researchers say it's the shortest-known gap between two coronavirus infections.
Consulte Mais informação »
Two Brothers celebrating 25 years of brewing with anniversary party featuring old recipesTwo brothers are celebrating 25 years of brewing. Jim and Jason Ebel co-founded Two Brothers Artisan Brewing more than two decades ago.
Consulte Mais informação »
Perspective | A new book charts the early years of Washington’s NAACP chapterDecades before the sit-ins and marches of the 1960s, Black District leaders were fighting for equality.
Consulte Mais informação »