Epstein-Barr Virus Found to Trigger Multiple Sclerosis

Epstein -Barr virus has long been suspected of playing a role in multiple sclerosis, but it was not known how.

A new study has found that MS may be the result of an ongoing battle with the Epstein-Barr virus, in which people who have been infected by the virus find themselves at risk for developing multiple sclerosis.

The research provides compelling evidence of causality and suggests that most cases of MS could be prevented by stopping Epstein-Barr infection.

Related: Flurona Variant: Double Infection Combination of Flu and Covid-19

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Multiple Sclerosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): is a herpes virus. It is one of the most common human viruses, found all over the world. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a serious inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord. It interferes with the body's ability to send, receive and process information from the environment.

Epstein Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis

A new study has found that Epstein Barr virus (EBV) can trigger multiple sclerosis (MS).

This research could mark a turning point in the fight against MS. The assumption that EBV causes MS has been investigated for several years, but this is the first study providing compelling evidence of causality.

This is a significant finding because it shows that the majority of multiple sclerosis cases may be averted by eliminating EBV infection, implying that targeting EBV may result in the development of cure strains.

The Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus that can cause mono. It can also lead to other serious complications.

According to research conducted by Harvard T.H. and published in the Journal of Neurology, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a probable cause of multiple sclerosis (MS), a destructive disease that affects almost two million people worldwide has no known cure.

The human herpesvirus Epstein-Barr (EBV) has long been suspected of being involved with multiple sclerosis (MS), but until now it was not known how.

The Epstein-Barr virus has been suspected as a potential trigger for multiple sclerosis since 1993 when Dr. Nancy Kuntz and her colleagues reported an unusually high number of multiple sclerosis cases linked to one particular strain of EBV called B95-8.

They found that the Epstein-Barr viruses causing multiple sclerosis were very similar genetically, whereas other people who had been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus did not go on to develop multiple sclerosis.

Since then, additional studies have revealed a strong association between multiple sclerosis and a genetic variation in people who have multiple sclerosis.

The Epstein-Barr virus is present in lesions and cerebrospinal fluid, but it is missing from areas without symptoms of damage.

The new study by Dr. Robert Lisak, M.D., head of NIAID's Laboratory of Host Defenses, was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIAID, NIH.

Dr. Lisak's team showed that individuals who lack this genetic variation are not at increased risk for Multiple Sclerosis following Epstein-Barr virus infection.

These findings suggest that most cases of multiple sclerosis are caused by initial infection of B cells with EBV, which happens early in life in individuals who are genetically susceptible, this infection then triggers multiple sclerosis sometime later.

This study provides compelling evidence that targeting EBV could lead to the development of new drugs to treat multiple sclerosis.

The researchers believe that most people may have an initial Epstein-Barr virus infection at some point in their lives without developing multiple sclerosis.

The genetic variation in the researchers' study may influence the virus to reactivate later and cause damage only in those who also lack the protective genetic variation.

It is important to note that the study results do not suggest that everyone who has Epstein-Barr virus will develop multiple sclerosis. But that the findings of this study could have important implications for efforts to find a cure for multiple sclerosis as well as potential clinical practice.

Check out this video of MSPlate on their Research Summary of the Epstein- Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis New Outcomes.

FAQs About the Epstein Barr Virus

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a virus that is found all over the world and is one of the most familiar viruses in humans.

It is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis, or mono. Most people get infected with the Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives. EBV is spread through bodily fluids, primarily saliva, and can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), sometimes known as human herpesvirus 4, is a herpes virus. It's one of the most prevalent human viruses, and it can be found all across the world. EBV is the virus that most commonly causes MS.

EBV may cause infectious mononucleosis (commonly known as mono) and other diseases and is related to two other viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) in young people: cytomegalovirus and human herpesvirus-six.

Mononucleosis

Mono caused by EBV is sometimes called infectious mononucleosis, or mono for short. Mono can also be caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpesvirus-six (HHV-six).

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a frequent herpes virus illness that presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from none to fever and tiredness (semblances of infectious mononucleosis) to severe problems affecting the eyes, brain, or other internal organs. This virus requires an active living cell in which to replicate.
• Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a set of two closely related herpes viruses that can cause fever, diarrhea, and seizures in children. The virus is often acquired in childhood and can cause more serious complications in some cases.

Epstein Barr Virus Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus?

The most common sign of EBV is a sore throat. You may also have a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and feel tired. But these symptoms usually go away within a few weeks.

However, some people with EBV develop seriously swollen lymph nodes in their necks. This can cause trouble breathing and swallowing, or even lead to death if not treated quickly.

What Can the Epstein Barr Virus Cause?

EBV is known to cause a few other illnesses, including glandular fever. 

• Glandular fever usually causes fatigue, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and mild flu-like symptoms that last for several weeks or months.

However, most people get better within one year (12 months) of initial infection with EBV.

What diseases are associated with the Epstein Barr virus?

In addition to multiple sclerosis, Epstein Barr virus is also linked to other diseases including glandular fever, infectious mononucleosis, and leukemia.

It can even cause brain lesions similar to those caused by other viruses linked to multiple sclerosis-like measles and mumps.

Can EBVcause brain lesions?

Studies have shown that it can cause brain lesions similar to those caused by other viruses linked to multiple sclerosis (like measles and mumps).

Does EBV ever go away?

Once you are infected with EBV, the virus stays in your body for life. However, it usually doesn't cause any problems after you recover from mono or another illness that it may have caused.

In some cases, the virus can reactivate and cause mild symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck or a sore throat.

Can EBVcause death?

Yes, in some cases Epstein Barr virus can lead to death. This is most likely if it causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck which interfere with breathing or swallowing.

However, this is rare and usually only happens if someone has mono and does not receive treatment.

Epstein Barr Virus Treatment

Treatment for EBV is aimed at relieving the Epstein Barr virus symptoms of mono and preventing further complications from developing.

• Mono should clear up on its own within a few weeks without treatment.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections that may develop after a person contracts mononucleosis (infectious mononucleosis).

Are EBV and MS Related?

Yes, the Epstein Barr virus is known to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).

This is still being studied, but it's important to be aware of the link between Epstein Barr and MS. Before the development of MS, some people may have had an increase in Epstein Barr virus antibodies.

The study provides compelling evidence that most cases of MS could be prevented by stopping EBV infection and suggests a cure may eventually become available as well.

MS is a debilitating and life-altering disease for which there are few effective treatments. The researchers found compelling evidence of causality between Epstein-Barr virus infection and the development of multiple sclerosis, suggesting that most cases could be prevented by stopping EBV infection.

What are your thoughts on this recent medical breakthrough in regards to multiple sclerosis? Have you been screened for Epstein Barr Virus or multiple sclerosis before? Please share with us in the comments section below.

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