The case for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) The studies found that: Antibodies (immune proteins that indicate a person has been exposed) to EBV were significantly higher in people who eventually developed MS than in control samples of people who did not get the disease.
Yet growing evidence in recent years points to several viruses that may be triggers of MS. The strongest evidence is for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus infects most people in developed nations like the US in their teen or young adult years.
July 12, 2022
Recent research has shown a link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether you have been diagnosed with MS or are curious about what this new research means for the future of MS care, here are answers to a few common questions about EBV and MS.
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It's considered an immune mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS , this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).
There is no cure for Epstein-Barr virus and there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus. Treatment addresses the symptoms of the virus and symptoms should go away after two to four weeks.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause illnesses and complications aside from infectious mononucleosis. People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe symptoms and complications from EBV infection. They may also have more severe illness caused by EBV infection.
EBV never truly goes away. Even if the symptoms subside, the virus will remain inactive inside your body until it is reactivated by a trigger. Some triggers include stress, a weakened immune system, taking immunosuppressants, or hormonal changes such as menopause.
The symptoms of EBV-related mononucleosis are a severe sore throat, fever and intense fatigue that can last for several months. Once the initial infection has ended, the virus remains latent in the body.
Numbness of the face, body, or extremities (arms and legs) is often the first symptom experienced by those eventually diagnosed as having MS.
Segal says. “Some people with COVID-19 infections experience neurological symptoms that may be secondary to this response. MS is caused by an abnormal immune response targeting the central nervous system. This raised concerns that COVID-19 could exacerbate MS.”
In people with MS, the body's immune system attacks the insulating layer that surrounds nerve cells, often killing the cells. The underlying cause of MS remains unknown. One possibility is that it's triggered by a viral infection. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been among the top suspects.
Two important types of immune cells are T cells and B cells. T cells become activated in the lymph system and in MS, enter the CNS through blood vessels. Once in the CNS, T cells release chemicals that cause inflammation and damage. This results in damage to myelin, nerve fibers and the cells that make myelin.
Current evidence shows that simply having MS does not make you more likely than the general population to develop COVID-19, become severely ill or die from the infection. However, certain factors have been shown to increase the risk of a severe case of COVID-19: Progressive MS. Older age.
Conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 infections can be followed by exacerbation of MS and failure of DMT. More arguments in favour than against a causal relation can be raised. Neurologist should remain vigilant for new or relapsing neuro-immunological disease following SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Once you're infected with EBV, you carry the virus — usually in a dormant state — for the rest of your life. Sometimes, however, the virus may reactivate. When this happens, you're not likely to become ill. Rarely, reactivated EBV may cause illness in people who have weak immune systems, such as those who have AIDS.
In very rare cases, EBV can cause a chronic infection, which can be fatal if left untreated. EBV has also been linked with a variety of conditions, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, and long COVID. However, additional research is needed to determine EBV's overall role in these conditions.
Epstein-Barr viral infection is very common. The virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids. Most people get infected with EBV during childhood and don't experience any symptoms.
More serious complications may include anemia, nerve damage, liver failure, and/or interstitial pneumonia. Symptoms may be constant or come and go, and tend to get worse over time. CAEBV occurs when the virus remains active and the symptoms of an EBV infection do not go away.
A positive test result means that the antibodies charged with attacking the Epstein-Barr virus were detected in your blood and that you most likely carry the virus. If your doctor determines you that have mononucleosis, they'll likely tell you to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take a pain reliever to lower a fever.
High-dose intravenous vitamin C is an effective treatment for infection with the Epstein-Barr virus.
For Epstein-Barr virus, you may be treated by a primary care provider (PCP), such as a family practitioner, an internist, or a child's pediatrician. If the symptoms of EBV become chronic, you may be referred to an infectious-disease specialist or an immunologist (also called an allergist/immunologist).
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, four times as many women have MS as men, and more and more women are developing it.