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Multiple sclerosis

Relapses in multiple sclerosis are associated with influenza A and Epstein–Barr infections

Nature Reviews Neurology volume 7, page 128 (2011)Cite this article

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that has been linked to a number of viral infections. Now, Mervi Oikonen and colleagues from Finland have shown that influenza A and Epstein–Barr viruses are associated with relapses in patients with MS.

MS often develops in early adulthood, with patients usually exhibiting periods of symptomatic relapse and remittance before later experiencing progressive clinical decline. Several viral infections have been implicated in the immunological mechanisms underlying MS development. Seasonal patterns in relapses have also been observed, which are thought to be linked to the seasonality of viral epidemics.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER

  1. Oikonen, M. et al. Temporal relationship between environmental Influenza A and Epstein–Barr viral infections and high multiple sclerosis relapse occurrence. Mult. Scler. doi:10.1177/1352458510394397

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  1. Eleanor Beal
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Beal, E. Relapses in multiple sclerosis are associated with influenza A and Epstein–Barr infections. Nat Rev Neurol 7, 128 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2011.10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2011.10

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