Cause of Multiple Sclerosis: Discovery or Theory?

CAUSE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS DISCOVERED?

Reports have started appearing online today, which claim that doctors from Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health and the University of Glasgow believe they have ‘discovered the cause of multiple sclerosis’.  In one particular article, found here in the Daily Mail, they suggest the following:

“MS develops following two separate common infections which cause the body to attack itself, British research has found”

“…doctors now believe the development of a vaccine against one of the viruses may hold the key to future MS prevention.”

THE FACTS:  RESEARCHERS PROPOSE THEORY FOR CAUSE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Researchers from Harvard and the University of Glasgow have recently published a paper in the medical journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.  The title of the article is “Hypothesis: Multiple sclerosis is caused by three-hits, strictly in order, in genetically susceptible persons” and the abstract can be accessed here.

This paper attempts to piece together all of the currently available evidence around environmental and genetic factors that relate to multiple sclerosis.

Using this approach, the researchers have suggested a hypothesis that they believe provides an explanation that fits with what is known so far.  At this stage, this is purely a theory!

Their theory is that multiple sclerosis is a rare complication that occurs in people who have two separate infections.  Their suggestion is that the first infection is with the human pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), followed by infection with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).  They also hypothesise that the order these infections occur is important.  The idea of EBV being associated with multiple sclerosis has been around for a long time, you can read our previous summaries of this information here.

Whilst the researchers have used extensive literature to piece together this theory, it is important to realise that it is just that, a theory.  It is definitely interesting and the researchers do go on to state that they believe that they have a way of being able to research and test this theory to see if it is correct.  Again, it must be noted that this research has not been done yet.

If this testing proves that the theory is correct, it would open the possibility that MS could be prevented or treated through controlling these infections, such as with the development of a vaccine.  However, this is still sometime away from being a reality, even if the research finds that the theory is supported.

CONCLUSIONS

The researchers have presented an interesting theory that attempts to provide a solution that explains many parts of the multiple sclerosis puzzle.  This theory is currently untested and research will need to be performed to see whether it is correct.

It is crucial that we are all extremely critical with the information that we see online related to multiple sclerosis research.  In fairness to the Daily Mail article linked above, it does mention about half way through the article that “The researchers’ explanation is currently just a theory but they plan to carry out further research.” However, in my opinion, this doesn’t do enough to counteract the misleading titles and information presented earlier in the article. 

MStranslate is always available to provide independent fact-checking of any information that you may come across.  You can send it to us by e-mail (brett@mstranslate.com.au), drop it onto our Facebook wall (www.facebook.com/MStranslate) or tweet us (www.twitter.com/MStranslate).