summary: The pathogenesis of MS is complex and it is well established that viral infections may play a role. Evidence suggests that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could be involved in triggering or perpetuating disease activity in MS, as EBV can be reactivated under certain circumstances, even years after the first infection. In this study the authors aimed to investigate whether reactivation of EBV was related to the presence of high MRI inflammatory activity (new, active lesions) in people with MS. Though the authors found some correlation between past EBV infection and active brain lesions, they failed to demonstrate that reactivation of EBV was related to a higher presence of such active lesions.

authors: Farrell RA, Antony D, Wall GR, Clark DA, Fisniku L, Swanton J, Khaleeli Z, Schmierer K, Miller DH, Giovannoni G

source: Neurology. 2009 May 20

weblink: click here

category: Virology

related research news: click here

glossary: