Disease Responsible for Forcing Immune System to Attack Brain and Spinal Cord is Controlled by a Virus: New Research

Multiple sclerosis, a disease which forces the immune system to attack the brain and spinal cord, has been known for causing significant damage to the central nervous system.

The autoimmune disorder attacks nerve fibers and myeline sheathing in the system.

It leaves its host to suffer a variety of degrading physiological symptoms affecting vision, movement, and sensation.

In the past, scientists have never thought the health condition is caused by a particular virus, although there have been related linkages but remained unconfirmed.

In fact, the specific cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown until new studies found a certain virus could be responsible, paving the way for a potential treatment or cure for multiple sclerosis.

The virus has been identified as the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), confirming what scientists are looking for as a viral culprit of the uncommon disease.

Also called the human herpesvirus 4, EBV belongs to the herpes family of viruses, which is a common human pathogenic virus.

In spite of the familiar virus family, multiple sclerosis has been identified as an uncommon disease, which affects only a relatively small population worldwide.

However, EBV itself is reportedly almost anywhere, which is the reason why it was included in the list of viral culprits before.

Virus-Driven Autoimmune Disorder

(Photo : Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Science News reported that recent studies portray a clearer picture the EBV instigates multiple sclerosis when the central nervous system gets intertwined in the body's immune response to the virus.

The US-based scientific magazine added that the findings could allow new options for treatment or even vaccines.

Prior to the discovery, previous research only considers EBV to be high on the list.

The question why people develop the autoimmune disorder was not clear in the past, but only points out to demographic and environmental factors.

Also Read: Birth-Month Linked with Lower Vitamin D, Higher Multiple Sclerosis Risk

Epstein-Barr Virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that EBV infection spreads to most people at certain point in their lives and its transmission is typically through bodily fluids, especially saliva.

The CDC compiles the following EBV symptoms:

fatigue
fever
inflamed throat
swollen lymph node
enlarged spleen
swollen liver
rash

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis mainly forces the immune system to attack the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers in the central nervous system.

The damage or deterioration of the nerves causes may cause disabling effects to the body, such as the inability to walk or communicate, according to Mayo Clinic.

While there is still no cure for the disease, the latest discovery could target take a new approach towards addressing the disorder.

Multiple Sclerosis Cases

According to a separate yet related study published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal in November 2020, a total of 2.8 million people is suffering from multiple sclerosis globally; with a global prevalence rising since 2013 and affecting mostly women.

The 2020 study recommends a high-quality epidemiologic data around the world to improve our understanding of the condition, leading to better diagnosis and treatment.