In recent days, a study conducted by scientists at Harvard University and published in the prestigious journal Science concluded that the kissing disease may be a potential cause of multiple sclerosis. This finding sheds light on the prevention of multiple sclerosis by linking it to the Epstein-Barr virus. Read on to find out what it is and what tests you can take to detect it.
Multiple sclerosis: what is it?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or nerve damage.
Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and the nerves affected. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently while others may experience long periods without any new symptoms.
So far, there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and control symptoms.
Its symptoms can vary depending on who has it and as the disease progresses. They are usually associated with movement such as numbness or electric shock sensations, but may also include tremors, lack of coordination or vision problems such as partial or complete loss of vision, blurred or double vision.
Symptoms may also include slurred speech, fatigue, dizziness, or problems with sexual, bowel or bladder function.
The link between multiple sclerosis and the kissing disease
The causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown, but follow-up of US military personnel over 20 years seems to suggest that the Epstein-Barr virus may be one of the main causes.
Given that the US Army tests its military every two years and stores the samples, scientists at Harvard University had access to a wealth of clinical data. By investigating the people within this military archive who had been diagnosed with sclerosis, it was possible to prove that 800 of the 801 soldiers had been in contact with the Epstein-Barr virus.
The study
The study, recently published in the journal Science, tests the hypothesis that MS is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a trial number of more than 10 million young adults on active duty in the US military. Within this population, 995 individuals were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The risk of MS increased 32-fold after EBV infection, but did not increase after infection with other viruses such as cytomegalovirus, which is similarly transmitted. Serum levels of light-chain neurofilaments, a biomarker of neuroaxonal degeneration, increased only after EBV seroconversion. These findings cannot be explained by any known risk factor for multiple sclerosis and experts say they indicate that EBV is the main cause of MS.
Alberto Ascherio, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, argues that the Epstein-Barr virus is the primary cause and that it is likely that in addition to causing multiple sclerosis, it may also contribute to its progression.
Other specialists are more cautious and point out that although there is growing evidence of a link between the so-called kissing disease and multiple sclerosis, the former is not the main cause of the latter, but only one of several factors to be considered.
What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
Also called infectious mononucleosis or colloquially known as the kissing disease, it is a contagious disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (although other viruses can also be the cause). It is common in adolescents and young adults, so much so that at least one in four who become infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis.
Its symptoms, which usually appear four to six weeks after infection, include fatigue, fever, sore throat and headache, swollen lymph nodes as well as liver or spleen, and rash. Within two to four weeks, most patients improve, however, for some people, fatigue persists.
It is usually spread by saliva, although blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions or transplants can also be the source.
What tests do we offer to detect Epstein-Barr virus?
At Ambar Lab we manage various tests aimed at detecting this virus.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA. Capsid protein Gp220, biological fluids (3356)
- Methodology:RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Sample/Specimen: biological fluids (sporadic urine, plasma, sputum, sperm, amniotic fluid, nasopharyngeal swab)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBNA) antibodies IgG, IgM, serum (2499, 2500)
- Methodology:Enzyme Immunoassay
- Sample/Specimen:serum
- Epstein-Barr virus (early) antibodies IgA, IgG, IgM, serum (2387, 1584, 2385)
- Methodology:Indirect Immunofluorescence
- Sample/Specimen:serum
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IgA antibodies, serum (4638)
- Methodology:Indirect Immunofluorescence
- Sample/Specimen:serum
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies IgG, IgM serum (2486, 2487)
- Methodology:Enzyme Immunoassay
- Sample/Specimen:serum
