Study: Stronger Evidence Linking Virus to Multiple Sclerosis

UNDATED (AP) – A new study offers stronger evidence that one of the world’s most common viruses may set some people on the path to developing multiple sclerosis.

The Epstein-Barr virus has long been a suspect. Harvard researchers tracked blood testing of 10 million U.S. military recruits over 20 years and concluded Epstein-Barr – and no other virus – increased the risk of later MS.

It’s not the only factor because just about everybody gets Epstein-Barr but only a small fraction develop MS. But the finding may help spur vaccine development.

The study was published Thursday in the journal Science.

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