Epstein-Barr Virus and MS.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, particularly symptomatic infection, is closely associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The strength of this association, the interaction of EBV infection with genetic risk factors and emerging immunological data have resulted in some investigators arguing that this association may be causative. Causation, however, is a complex science and more extensive and definitive data is required to convince the wider community that EBV is the pivotal factor in the complex causal pathway that ultimately leads to the development of MS.