Around 25% of patients with multiple sclerosis have blood antibodies that bind to the Epstein-Barr virus and EBNA1, a protein made in the brain and spinal cord. Researchers say this is the first study to definitely show that the Epstein-Barr virus can cause multiple sclerosis in some patients.
The risk of developing mutliple sclerosis increases 32 fold following Epstein-Barr virus infection.
A new study links viral infections including mononucleosis and pneumonia experienced during adolescence with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Researchers link the Human Herpes Virus 6A to the development of multiple sclerosis.
A new study reports people with schizophrenia have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus that causes mononucleosis. Researchers propose two explanations for the link to the heightened immune response to the virus: schizophrenia may alter the immune system, making patients more susceptible to EBV, or EBV may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.
A new study reports certain strains of the herpes virus are able to infect neurons and could underlie some symptoms of neurological disorders such as MS.