An estimated 2.8 million people worldwide have multiple sclerosis (MS). This autoimmune condition is the result of the immune system damaging parts of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to problems with movement, vision, balance and sensation.
While many MS symptoms can be managed, there’s currently no way to cure or prevent the condition. This is due to the complex immune response that leads to this disease. But a blood test recently developed by me and my colleagues has allowed us to estimate the strength of the immune response in people with MS.
This finding may not only bring us one step closer to understanding the causes of MS, but to developing better treatments for the condition. Researchers still aren’t entirely sure what exactly causes MS. But a growing body of evidence suggests the main driver of the condition is Epstein-Barr virus (also known as glandular fever or infectious mononucleosis).
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is spread through saliva and typically infects children at a young age. Symptoms are often mild, resembling the common cold. But for others they may have a sore throat and high levels of fatigue.
However, the body never actually clears the virus. In most people, the immune system renders it harmless . But people with MS have an abnormal immune response to this virus – which may be responsible for the disease.
The link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS has been considered for over 20 years , with multiple studies highlighting th.
