Several lines of evidence support a role for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as the cause of MS. This includes the observation that nearly all MSers show
serological (blood) markers of past EBV infection. Given the well-known
association between MS prevalence and latitude, we investigated whether
EBV seropositivity also increases with distance from the equator. We
found that the proportion of EBV positive individuals is positively
associated with latitude independently of MS status (odds ratio = 1.06,
95% CI = 1.02-1.09, p = 0.002). Latitude-related factors may be
implicated in the immune response to EBV and its role in MS aetiology.
serological (blood) markers of past EBV infection. Given the well-known
association between MS prevalence and latitude, we investigated whether
EBV seropositivity also increases with distance from the equator. We
found that the proportion of EBV positive individuals is positively
associated with latitude independently of MS status (odds ratio = 1.06,
95% CI = 1.02-1.09, p = 0.002). Latitude-related factors may be
implicated in the immune response to EBV and its role in MS aetiology.
Glandular Fever is caused by repsonse to EBV
“Just
as there is a North-South gradient in susceptibility to MS, there is
also a North-South gradient in reaction to EBV. This is just more evidence of a
possible associated between MS and EBV.”
“The more pieces of the puzzle that fit together the stronger the evidence and the more compelling the case for testing anti-viral drugs that target EBV. We need your help to make this happen; do you think crowd sourcing re spreading the concept will work?”
CoI: This is work from Team G
I though interferons had strong antiviral properties? How do the drugs you want to test differ?
I agree on Crowd sourcing usefulness. Not only for "standard" DMT but also for Off-label and nutriceuticals treatments. Being myself an early-stage MSer (6 months diagnosed), and not yet treated with interferons, my approach is to use several nutriceuticals (also being evaluated on clinical trials for MS), and monitor disease activity by an App on my Android smartphone.
Re: "App on my Android smartphone."What app are you using?
MS Tagebuch from the DMSG (Germany), although I'm in Spain
Re: "I though interferons had strong antiviral properties? How do the drugs you want to test differ?"The interferons do not necessarily target EBV; the agents we propose using are specific to EBV.