This discovery is very encouraging. American researchers discovered a link between multiple-sclerosis and Epstein-Barr virus in January. Multiple sclerosis specialists have highlighted a scientific breakthrough that could lead to better treatment.
The treatment of multiple sclerosis, which aims to reduce inflammation, has “greatly improved” over the past ten year. Jean Pelletier, a neurologist at the French foundation Arsep, says that patient follow-up is more individualised. He believes that new breakthroughs may emerge from January’s discovery.
Multiple sclerosis can be prevented by avoiding infection with Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is responsible for the development of mononucleosis and 95% of adult cases. Multiple sclerosis is not a common condition.
Professor Pelletier said that the study provides “a better understanding of the multifactorial nature of multiple sclerosis” and that it could be prevented from bursting if children were vaccinated against Epstein- Barr. However, we don’t have a vaccine at the moment.
“Once the Epstein-Barr virus is contracted, it hides in the body’s B lymphocytes. These cells are involved in multiple sclerosis-related inflammation. He says that monoclonal antibodies against multiple sclerosis, which are treatments that target B lymphocytes, could be the reason why they are so effective in fighting multiple sclerosis.
