More Evidence Links Epstein-Barr Virus to MS

Although for sake of argument someone could find a cure for EBV, there is still the problem of the immune system’s ‘Achilles heel’ that permitted the formation of MS in the cellular microenvironment. Curing EBV may halt the development of MS in some people, but there could still be other viruses or contaminants (viral/bacterial/toxin/etc) that together with the biological backdoor actuate the genesis of multiple sclerosis.

Definitely it would still be very important to rid the world of Epstein-Barr virus in the case of possibly causing MS, but also EBV induced disease in general.

Interesting thought about how curing EPV might lead to curing MS. I had mono when I was 17 then an ear infection 10 years later. The ear infection seemed to trigger the MS which was hanging out in my body waiting for something like that so it could manifest itself.

I suffered a sever case of EPV (mononucleosis) at the age of 17. I am convinced there is a direct correlation between that illness and my subsequent MS diagnosis.
I agree that more research and funding should focus on EPV, and until a cure can be found, a serious emphasis on prevention. Such efforts must include an aggressive education campaign geared toward adolescents. If both approaches are initiated, there is real potential to prevent future development of MS.
If the medical community does nothing with this knowledge, is it not compliant in relegating otherwise healthy individuals to a future life of diminished quality of life, compromised health, and eventual disability?

I've had allergies all my life, and had mono when I was 17, and from the others above comments, 17 seems to be the magic number! I find it quite I interesting and it's an avenue worth looking into. Let no rock go unturned until there's a cure for MS. I'm battling PPMS and I'm ready for some good news soon!

I have NEVER had mono but I have MS. Don't think I believe this line of thought.

I had shingles when I was 8; and then mono when I was 16 and 17. MS was diagnosed when I 26. I'm now 59, still ambulatory, and fatigued as all get out. I'm so happy to hear that someone is looking into the EBV connection!
Thanks for keeping us informed Ed.

I always test positive (20 times out of the normal range and beyond) for EPV and every doctor over the years has told me that it had nothing to do with my illness. I could tell it does! Over the past 8 months I have passed every "test" for MS and have many of the familiar symptoms so I do believe there is a correlation. My opinion is worth nothing. However, I am concerned about my son who is 40 years old and when he gets an EPV flare up he is so sick for days. He had mono at 8 and it was very bad for him including the swollen spleen. I fear that he might get MS. I hope something to help will be discovered before he gets it.

Thanks for this Ed. I guess there’s definitely a connection even if a cause can’t yet be proven.

Thanks for publicizing this research. I have been diagnosed with mono twice. Once at age 31 and then age 43. In both cases I had the same symptoms and circumstances. I was then diagnosed at age 60 with MS due to an occurrence of optic neuritis. I have read about this correlation and it seems quite relevant to me. I am presently doing well except for fatigue and a new sensitivity to heat. As exciting as this correlation is, however, the fact that their is no treatment so far or prevention for EBV has to temper it a bit. But then again any new information with solid research to back it up is exciting! Thanks!

Add me to the mix. I am 51, diagnosed with MS in 2010, although it took years to properly diagnose me. I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue in 1993 after falling off an 8’ ladder. The EBV connection is clear with me too. I also had a severe case of mono when I was 17. Fortunately, I don’t often hear of people being diagnosed with it much anymore.

I had mono and strep twice in my senior year of high school. I wish my doctor would’ve explained to me how important it was for me to take it easy and recover. I soon was diagnosed with CFS and then UCTD and now I also have MS. Before having mono, my health had been fine. I can’t say that anymore.

I’m so appreciative of this article! I contracted a severe case of mono when I was 20 years old. For years after I suffered from unexplained chronic fatigue type symptoms. My docs could never diagnose but blood tests showed I had consistently high Epstein-Barr antibodies in my system—years after the mono (I was told this was impossible, EBV doesn’t stay in your body, but yet there it was). In my early 20s I had a severe bout of vertigo that was called an inner ear infection but which my neurologist later said was probably my first MS attack. I was diagnosed with MS about 10 years later. I am certain that the mono (and li seeing EBV) triggered a response in my body that led to me contracting MS, but doctors won’t acknowledge this—so happy to have growing body of evidence to back up my personal health story

I had mono when I was 45 I’m now 72 and was told I have EBV I’ve had a lot of exhaustion I also have a weekness in my right foot that makes me trip could this MS