Research: EBV and distance from the equator

Epub: Disanto G et al. Epstein-Barr virus, latitude and multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2012 Jul 5.


Several lines of evidence support a role for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as the cause of MS. This includes the observation that nearly all MSers show serological (blood) markers of past EBV infection. Given the well-known association between MS prevalence and latitude, we investigated whether EBV seropositivity also increases with distance from the equator. We found that the proportion of EBV positive individuals is positively associated with latitude independently of MS status (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.09, p = 0.002). Latitude-related factors may be implicated in the immune response to EBV and its role in MS aetiology. 

                Glandular Fever is caused by repsonse to EBV

"Just as there is a North-South gradient in susceptibility to MS, there is also a North-South gradient in reaction to EBV. This is just more evidence of a possible associated between MS and EBV."


"The more pieces of the puzzle that fit together the stronger the evidence and the more compelling the case for testing anti-viral drugs that target EBV. We need your help to make this happen; do you think crowd sourcing re spreading the concept will work?"

CoI: This is work from Team G

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