Multiple sclerosis and herpes: study proves connection with Epstein-Barr virus

Created: 04/11/2022Updated: 04/11/2022 15:13

By: Natalie Hull Drawbar

Infection with Epstein-Barr virus could be partly responsible for the development of multiple sclerosis.

(Iconic image) © Science Photo Library/Imago

Multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory disease of the nervous system, could possibly be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, according to the study.

Cambridge – The so-called Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is now widespread worldwide, over 95 percent of the world's population is infected with the virus.

In many cases, infection occurs without severe symptoms.

In some cases, however, infection with EBV, which belongs to the herpes virus family, can lead to a disease, especially in adolescents and young adults: lymphatic glandular fever or so-called “glandular fever”.

The results of a current US study now confirm the connection between glandular fever or EBV and multiple sclerosis, as revealed by 24vita.de.

According to the results of the study, anyone who develops glandular fever after being infected with EBV seems to have an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

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