Infection with the Epstein–Barr virus or human herpesvirus 6 is associated with the initial onset of multiple sclerosis (MS), but new evidence suggests these viruses are not involved in MS relapse. Simpson and colleagues prospectively collected blood samples twice a year from 198 patients with MS. Epstein–Barr antibodies were detected in approximately 82% of patients, but the researchers found no relationship between viral load, disability progression or relapse rate.
References
Simpson, S. Jr et al. EBV & HHV6 reactivation is infrequent and not associated with MS clinical course. Acta Neurol. Scand. 10.1111/ane.12268
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Reactivation of Epstein–Barr or herpes viruses not associated with MS relapse. Nat Rev Neurol 10, 365 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2014.112
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2014.112